Table 1.
Characteristics of the study population
| Group 1 (N = 39) | Group 2 (N = 33) | |
|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 43 ± 3 | 47 ± 2 |
| Weight (kg) | 64 ± 2 | 68 ± 2 |
| Sex ratio (F/M) | 28/11 | 17/16 |
| Onset of fatigue (months) | 78 ± 19 | 69 ± 14 |
| TBARS rest (nmol/ml) | 1.36 ± 0.03 | 1.01 ± 0.05*** |
| ORP (mV) | 165 ± 5 | 127 ± 4*** |
| VO2max (mlO2/min/kg) | 19 ± 1 | 19 ± 1 |
| VO2max (% predicted) | 67 ± 3 | 63 ± 3 |
| Maximal work rate (W) | 124 ± 5 | 118 ± 7 |
| Maximal work rate (% predicted) | 90 ± 3 | 83 ± 3 |
| HR max (bpm) | 151 ± 3 | 148 ± 3 |
| Delta K+ max (mmol/l) | 0.42 ± 0.07 | 0.65 ± 0.07** |
| Handgrip strength (N | 278 ± 22 | 315 ± 33 |
| Handgrip strength (% predicted) | 62 ± 7 | 71 ± 7 |
Group 1 had marked changes in M-wave amplitude and duration whereas no M-wave changes were measured in group 2. All values shown are mean ± standard deviation
TBARS thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, ORP oxidation reduction potential, VO2 oxygen uptake, HR heart rate
Maximal increase in plasma potassium (K+) concentration was measured at the end of exercise. Asterisks denote significant intergroup difference (**p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001)