scholarly journals Physiological Correlates of Cycling Performance in Amateur Mountain Bikers

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (85) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donvina Vaitkevičiūtė ◽  
Kazys Milašius
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Cycling Test ◽  
Anaerobic Power Output ◽  
Physiological Tests

Research background and hypothesis. Aerobic fitness of high-performance mountain bikers explains about 40% of variance in performance. This suggests that other factors such as anaerobic power and capacity as well as technical abilities need to be considered in the physiological assessment (Impellizzeri et al., 2005 a). We found a lot studies investigating track and road cyclists, but there are no studies concerning the relationship between physiological tests and cycling performance in Lithuanian mountain bikers. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological correlates of cycling performance in amateur mountain bikers. Research  methods.  Fifteen  Lithuanian  mountain  bikers  participated  in  the  study.  The  10-second  test  was performed to estimate special alactic anaerobic power output, whereas ae 30-second Wingate test was performed to estimate composite alactic anaerobic glycolytic power output. For the evaluation of the aerobic capacity, a progressive incremental laboratory cycling test to exhaustion was performed. Research results. We found a significant negative correlation between cycling performance and alactic anaerobic relative  peak  power  output  (r  =  –0.534,  p  <  0.05)  and  lactate  concentration  after  the  progressive  incremental cycling  test  to  exhaustion  (r  =  –0.625,  p  <  0.05).  However,  we  did  not  find  a  significant  correlation  between cycling performance and VO 2 max (r = –0.024, p > 0.05) and composite alactic anaerobic glycolytic power output (r = –0.269, p > 0.05). Discussion and conclusions. Our findings suggest that alactic anaerobic power output and active glycolysis play a very important role in off-road cycling performance. This is essential because of the fast starting phase of the race and steep climbs.Keywords: mountain bike, cycling, performance, power output, maximal oxygen uptake.

Anaerobic Cycling Power Output with Variations in Recumbent Body Configuration

2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raoul F. Reiser ◽  
Michael L. Peterson ◽  
Jeffrey P. Broker
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Anaerobic Power Output ◽  
Human Powered

While the recumbent cycling position has become common for high-performance human-powered vehicles, questions still remain as to the influence of familiarity on recumbent cycling, the optimal riding position, and how recumbent cycling positions compare to the standard cycling position (SCP). Eight recumbent-familiar cyclists and 10 recreational control cyclists were compared using the 30-s Wingate test in 5 recumbent positions as well as the SCP. For the recumbent positions, hip position was maintained 15° below the bottom bracket while the backrest was altered to investigate body configuration angle (BCA: the angle between the bottom bracket, hip, and a marker at mid-torso) changes from 100° to 140° in 10° increments. Between-groups analysis found that only 4 of the 126 analyzed parameters differed significantly, with all trends in the same direction. Therefore both groups were combined for further analysis. Whole-group peak power (14.6 W/kg body mass) and average power (9.9 and 9.8 W/kg body mass, respectively) were greatest in the 130° and 140° BCA positions, with power dropping off as BCA decreased through 100° (peak = 12.4 W/kg body mass; avg. = 9.0 W/kg body mass). Power output in the SCP (peak = 14.6 W/kg body mass; avg. = 9.7 W/kg body mass) was similar to that produced in the 130° and 140° recumbent BCA. Average hip and ankle angles increased (became more extended/ plantar-flexed), 36° and 10°, respectively, with recumbent BCA, while knee angles remained constant. The lower extremity kinematics of the 130° and 140° BCA were most similar to those of the SCP. However, SCP hip and knee joints were slightly extended and the ankle joint was slightly plantar-flexed compared to these two recumbent positions, even though the BCA of the SCP was not significantly different. These findings suggest: (a) the amount of recumbent familiarity in this study did not produce changes in power output or kinematics; (b) BCA is a major determinant of power output; and (c) recumbent-position anaerobic power output matches that of the SCP when BCA is maintained, even though lower extremity kinematics may be altered.

Predicting Cycling Performance in Trained to Elite Male and Female Cyclists

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Lamberts
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Gas Analysis ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Male And Female

In high-performance cycling, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between training load and recovery. Recently a new submaximal cycle test, known as the Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT), has been shown to be able to accurately predict cycling performance in 15 well-trained cyclists. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of the LSCT in 102 trained to elite cyclists (82 men and 20 women). All cyclists performed an LSCT test followed by a peak-power-output (PPO) test, which included respiratory-gas analysis for the determination of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). They then performed the LSCT test followed by a 40-km time trial (TT) 72 h later. Average power output during the 3 stages of the LSCT increased from 31%, 60%, and 79% of PPO, while the ratings of perceived exertion increased from 8 to 13 to 16. Very good relationships were found between actual and LSCT-predicted PPO (r = .98, 95%CI: .97–.98, P < .0001), VO2max (r = .96, 95%CI: .97–.99, P < .0001) and 40-km-TT time (r = .98, 95%CI: .94–.97, P < .0001). No gender differences were found when predicting cycling performance from the LSCT (P = .95). The findings of this study show that the LSCT is able to accurately predict cycling performance in trained to elite male and female cyclists and potentially can be used to prescribe and fine-tune training prescription in cycling.

Caffeine supplementation for 4-day, followed by acute ingestion, did not impact triathlete output power after submaximal intensity exercise

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Anderson Pontes Morales ◽  
Felipe Sampaio-Jorge ◽  
Thiago Barth ◽  
Alessandra Alegre De Matos ◽  
Luiz Felipe Da Cruz Rangel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Output Power ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Wingate Test ◽  
Large Effect Size ◽  
Acute Ingestion

Introduction: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that caffeine supplementation (6 mg·kg-1 body mass) for 4-days, followed by acute intake, would impact five male triathletes output power after performed submaximal intensity exercise. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, placebo (4-day) - placebo (acute) PP, placebo (4-days) -caffeine (acute) PC, and caffeine (4-day) - caffeine (acute) CC. Participants abstained from dietary caffeine sources for 4 days and ingested capsules containing either placebo or caffeine (6 mg.kg-1 body mass day in one absorption). The acute trials the capsules containing placebo or caffeine (6 mg.kg-1 body mass day in one absorption) were ingested 60min before completing exercise in a treadmill for 40min (80% VO2max) and to perform the Wingate test. Results: Blood lactate was determined before, 60min after ingestion, and immediately after the exercise on the treadmill, the Wingate test, and after the recovery (10-min). CC and PC trials did not change the cardiopulmonary variables (P>0.05) and the anaerobic power variables (peak/mean power output and fatigue index) (P>0.05). The PC trial compared with PP promoted improvements in the curve power output in 2 sec by 31.19% (large effect-size d = 1.08; P<0.05) and 3 sec by 20% (large effect-size d = 1.19; P<0.05). A 10min recovery was not sufficient to reduce blood lactate concentration in the PC trial compared with PP (PC, 13.73±2.66 vs. PP, 10.26±1.60 mmol.L-1; P<0.05, respectively) (P<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, these results indicate that caffeine supplementation (6 mg·kg-1 body mass) for 4 days, followed by acute ingestion, did not impact the triathletes output power after performed submaximal intensity exercise. Nutritional interventions may help researchers and athletes to adapt strategies for manipulating caffeine use.Key-words: caffeine metabolism, Wingate test, blood lactate, performance.

Power output and fatigue of human muscle in maximal cycling exercise

1983 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 218-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. McCartney ◽  
G. J. Heigenhauser ◽  
N. L. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Muscle Volume ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Maximal Power ◽  
Maximal Power Output

We studied maximal torque-velocity relationships and fatigue during short-term maximal exercise on a constant velocity cycle ergometer in 13 healthy male subjects. Maximum torque showed an inverse linear relationship to crank velocity between 60 and 160 rpm, and a direct relationship to thigh muscle volume measured by computerized tomography. Peak torque per liter thigh muscle volume (PT, N X ml-1) was related to crank velocity (CV, rpm) in the following equation: PT = 61.7 - 0.234 CV (r = 0.99). Peak power output was a parabolic function of crank velocity in individual subjects, but maximal power output was achieved at varying crank velocities in different subjects. Fiber type distribution was measured in the two subjects showing the greatest differences and demonstrated that a high proportion of type II fibers may be one factor associated with a high crank velocity for maximal power output. The decline in average power during 30 s of maximal effort was least at 60 rpm (23.7 +/- 4.6% of initial maximal power) and greatest at 140 rpm (58.7 +/- 6.5%). At 60 rpm the decline in power over 30 s was inversely related to maximal oxygen uptake (ml X min-1 X kg-1) (r = 0.69). Total work performed and plasma lactate concentration 3 min after completion of 30-s maximum effort were similar for each crank velocity.

scholarly journals The Ingestion of 39 or 64 g·hr−1 of Carbohydrate is Equally Effective at Improving Endurance Exercise Performance in Cyclists

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Newell ◽  
Angus M. Hunter ◽  
Claire Lawrence ◽  
Kevin D. Tipton ◽  
Stuart D. R. Galloway
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Constant Load ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Pacing Strategy

In an investigator-blind, randomized cross-over design, male cyclists (mean± SD) age 34.0 (± 10.2) years, body mass 74.6 (±7.9) kg, stature 178.3 (±8.0) cm, peak power output (PPO) 393 (±36) W, and VO2max 62 (±9) ml·kg−1min−1 training for more than 6 hr/wk for more than 3y (n = 20) completed four experimental trials. Each trial consisted of a 2-hr constant load ride at 95% of lactate threshold (185 ± 25W) then a work-matched time trial task (~30min at 70% of PPO). Three commercially available carbohydrate (CHO) beverages, plus a control (water), were administered during the 2-hr ride providing 0, 20, 39, or 64g·hr−1 of CHO at a fluid intake rate of 1L·hr−1. Performance was assessed by time to complete the time trial task, mean power output sustained, and pacing strategy used. Mean task completion time (min:sec ± SD) for 39g·hr−1 (34:19.5 ± 03:07.1, p = .006) and 64g·hr−1 (34:11.3 ± 03:08.5 p = .004) of CHO were significantly faster than control (37:01.9 ± 05:35.0). The mean percentage improvement from control was −6.1% (95% CI: −11.3 to −1.0) and −6.5% (95% CI: −11.7 to −1.4) in the 39 and 64g·hr−1 trials respectively. The 20g·hr−1 (35:17.6 ± 04:16.3) treatment did not reach statistical significance compared with control (p = .126) despite a mean improvement of −3.7% (95% CI −8.8−1.5%). No further differences between CHO trials were reported. No interaction between CHO dose and pacing strategy occurred. 39 and 64g·hr−1 of CHO were similarly effective at improving endurance cycling performance compared with a 0g·hr−1 control in our trained cyclists.

scholarly journals Anaerobic energy provision does not limit Wingate exercise performance in endurance-trained cyclists

2003 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 668-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. L. Calbet ◽  
J. A. De Paz ◽  
N. Garatachea ◽  
S. Cabeza de Vaca ◽  
J. Chavarren
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Performance ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Acute Hypoxia ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Oxygen Deficit ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Fatigue Index ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Anaerobic Energy ◽  
Mean Power Output

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of severe acute hypoxia on exercise performance and metabolism during 30-s Wingate tests. Five endurance- (E) and five sprint- (S) trained track cyclists from the Spanish National Team performed 30-s Wingate tests in normoxia and hypoxia (inspired O2 fraction = 0.10). Oxygen deficit was estimated from submaximal cycling economy tests by use of a nonlinear model. E cyclists showed higher maximal O2 uptake than S (72 ± 1 and 62 ± 2 ml · kg−1 · min−1, P < 0.05). S cyclists achieved higher peak and mean power output, and 33% larger oxygen deficit than E ( P< 0.05). During the Wingate test in normoxia, S relied more on anaerobic energy sources than E ( P < 0.05); however, S showed a larger fatigue index in both conditions ( P < 0.05). Compared with normoxia, hypoxia lowered O2 uptake by 16% in E and S ( P < 0.05). Peak power output, fatigue index, and exercise femoral vein blood lactate concentration were not altered by hypoxia in any group. Endurance cyclists, unlike S, maintained their mean power output in hypoxia by increasing their anaerobic energy production, as shown by 7% greater oxygen deficit and 11% higher postexercise lactate concentration. In conclusion, performance during 30-s Wingate tests in severe acute hypoxia is maintained or barely reduced owing to the enhancement of the anaerobic energy release. The effect of severe acute hypoxia on supramaximal exercise performance depends on training background.

scholarly journals Metabolic consequences of β-alanine supplementation during exhaustive supramaximal cycling and 4000-m time-trial performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 864-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip M. Bellinger ◽  
Clare L. Minahan
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Cycling Test ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic

The present study investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation on the resultant blood acidosis, lactate accumulation, and energy provision during supramaximal-intensity cycling, as well as the aerobic and anaerobic contribution to power output during a 4000-m cycling time trial (TT). Seventeen trained cyclists (maximal oxygen uptake = 4.47 ± 0.55 L·min−1) were administered 6.4 g of β-alanine (n = 9) or placebo (n = 8) daily for 4 weeks. Participants performed a supramaximal cycling test to exhaustion (equivalent to 120% maximal oxygen uptake) before (PreExh) and after (PostExh) the 4-week supplementation period, as well as an additional postsupplementation supramaximal cycling test identical in duration and power output to PreExh (PostMatch). Anaerobic capacity was quantified and blood pH, lactate, and bicarbonate concentrations were measured pre-, immediately post-, and 5 min postexercise. Subjects also performed a 4000-m cycling TT before and after supplementation while the aerobic and anaerobic contributions to power output were quantified. β-Alanine supplementation increased time to exhaustion (+12.8 ± 8.2 s; P = 0.041) and anaerobic capacity (+1.1 ± 0.7 kJ; P = 0.048) in PostExh compared with PreExh. Performance time in the 4000-m TT was reduced following β-alanine supplementation (−6.3 ± 4.6 s; P = 0.034) and the mean anaerobic power output was likely to be greater (+6.2 ± 4.5 W; P = 0.035). β-Alanine supplementation increased time to exhaustion concomitant with an augmented anaerobic capacity during supramaximal intensity cycling, which was also mirrored by a meaningful increase in the anaerobic contribution to power output during a 4000-m cycling TT, resulting in an enhanced overall performance.

Reliability of Physiological Attributes and Their Association With Stochastic Cycling Performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory T. Levin ◽  
Paul B. Laursen ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Ventilatory Threshold ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Physiological Attributes ◽  
And Performance

Purpose:To assess the reliability of a 5-min-stage graded exercise test (GXT) and determine the association between physiological attributes and performance over stochastic cycling trials of varying distance.Methods:Twenty-eight well-trained male cyclists performed 2 GXTs and either a 30-km (n = 17) or a 100-km stochastic cycling time trial (n = 9). Stochastic cycling trials included periods of high-intensity efforts for durations of 250 m, 1 km, or 4 km depending on the test being performing.Results:Maximal physiological attributes were found to be extremely reliable (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]: coefficient of variation [CV] 3.0%, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] .911; peak power output [PPO]: CV 3.0%, ICC .913), but a greater variability was found in ventilatory thresholds and economy. All physiological variables measured during the GXT, except economy at 200 W, were correlated with 30-km cycling performance. Power output during the 250-m and 1-km efforts of the 30-km trial were correlated with VO2max, PPO, and the power output at the second ventilatory threshold (r = .58–.82). PPO was the only physiological attributed measured during the GXT to be correlated with performance during the 100-km cycling trial (r = .64).Conclusions:Many physiological variables from a reliable GXT were associated with performance over shorter (30-km) but not longer (100-km) stochastic cycling trials.

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