scholarly journals Reliability of the Functional Threshold Power in Competitive Cyclists

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (03) ◽  
pp. 175-181
Author(s):  
Fernando Klitzke Borszcz ◽  
Artur Ferreira Tramontin ◽  
Vitor Pereira Costa
Keyword(s):  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Pacing Strategy ◽  
Trial Test ◽  
Competitive Cyclists ◽  
Change In The Mean ◽  
The Mean

AbstractFunctional threshold power (FTP) is defined as the highest power that a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state without fatigue for approximately 1 hour. To improve practicality, a 20-minute time-trial test was proposed, where FTP is represented by 95% of the mean power produced. It is preceded by a specific 45-min warm-up, with periods of low intensity, fast accelerations, and a 5-min time-trial. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the reliability of this protocol, including the reliability of the warm-up, pacing strategy, and FTP determination. For this purpose, 25 trained cyclists performed a familiarization and two other tests separated by seven days. The coefficient of variation (CV [%]), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and change in the mean between test and retest were calculated. The results show that the 20-min time-trial was reliable (CV=2.9%, ICC=0.97), despite a less reliable warm-up (CV=5.5%, ICC=0.84). The changes in the mean between the test and retest were trivial to small for all measurements, and the pacing strategy was consistent across all trials. These results suggest that FTP determination with a 20-min protocol was reliable in trained cyclists.

Functional Threshold Power Estimated from a 20-minute Time-trial Test is Warm-up-dependent

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artur Ferreira Tramontin ◽  
Fernando Klitzke Borszcz ◽  
Vitor Costa
Keyword(s):  
Time Trial ◽  
The Other ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Incremental Test ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Pacing Strategy ◽  
Trial Test ◽  
Fast Start ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Trial Performance

AbstractThis study investigated the influence of different warm-up protocols on functional threshold power. Twenty-one trained cyclists (˙VO2max=60.2±6.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) performed an incremental test and four 20-min time trials preceded by different warm-up protocols. Two warm-up protocols lasted 45 min, with a 5-min time trial performed either 15 min (Traditional) or 25 min (Reverse) before the 20-min time trial. The other two warm-up protocols lasted 25 min (High Revolutions-per minute) and 10 min (Self-selected), including three fast accelerations and self-selected intensity, respectively. The power outputs achieved during the 20-min time trial preceded by the Traditional and Reverse warm-up protocols were significantly lower than the High Revolutions-per-minute and Self-selected protocols (256±30; 257±30; 270±30; 270±30 W, respectively). Participants chose a conservative pacing strategy at the onset (negative) for the Traditional and Reverse but implemented a fast-start strategy (U-shaped) for the High revolutions-per-minute and Self-selected warm-up protocols. In conclusion, 20-min time-trial performance and pacing are affected by different warm-ups. Consequently, the resultant functional threshold power may be different depending on whether the original protocol with a 5-min time trial is followed or not.

The Reliability of 4-Minute and 20-Minute Time Trials and Their Relationships to Functional Threshold Power in Trained Cyclists

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J. MacInnis ◽  
Aaron C.Q. Thomas ◽  
Stuart M. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Typical Error ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Elite Cyclists

Purpose: The mean power output (MPO) from a 60-min time trial (TT)—also known as functional threshold power, or FTP—is a standard measure of cycling performance; however, shorter performance tests are desirable to reduce the burden of performance testing. The authors sought to determine the reliability of 4- and 20-min TTs and the extent to which these short TTs were associated with 60-min MPO. Methods: Trained male cyclists (n = 8; age = 25 [5] y;  = 71 [5] mL/kg/min) performed two 4-min TTs, two 20-min TTs, and one 60-min TT. Critical power (CP) was estimated from 4- and 20-min TTs. The typical error of the mean (TEM) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess reliability, and R2 values were calculated to assess relationships with 60-min MPO. Results: Pairs of 4-min TTs (mean: 417 [SD: 45] W vs 412 [49] W, P = .25; TEM = 8.1 W; ICC = .98), 20-min TTs (342 [36] W vs 344 [33] W, P = .41; TEM = 4.6 W; ICC = .99), and CP estimates (323 [35] W vs 328 [32] W, P = .25; TEM = 6.5; ICC = .98) were reliable. The 4-min MPO (R2 = .95), 20-min MPO (R2 = .92), estimated CP (R2 = .82), and combination of the 4- and 20-min MPO (adjusted R2 = .98) were strongly associated with the 60-min MPO (309 [26] W). Conclusion: The 4- and 20-min TTs appear useful for assessing performance in trained, if not elite, cyclists.

scholarly journals Relationship Between the Critical Power Test and a 20-min Functional Threshold Power Test in Cycling

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Karsten ◽  
Luca Petrigna ◽  
Andreas Klose ◽  
Antonino Bianco ◽  
Nathan Townsend ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Power ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Power Test ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
The Mean

To investigate the agreement between critical power (CP) and functional threshold power (FTP), 17 trained cyclists and triathletes (mean ± SD: age 31 ± 9 years, body mass 80 ± 10 kg, maximal aerobic power 350 ± 56 W, peak oxygen consumption 51 ± 10 mL⋅min–1⋅kg–1) performed a maximal incremental ramp test, a single-visit CP test and a 20-min time trial (TT) test in randomized order on three different days. CP was determined using a time-trial (TT) protocol of three durations (12, 7, and 3 min) interspersed by 30 min passive rest. FTP was calculated as 95% of 20-min mean power achieved during the TT. Differences between means were examined using magnitude-based inferences and a paired-samples t-test. Effect sizes are reported as Cohen’s d. Agreement between CP and FTP was assessed using the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) method and Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a 91.7% probability that CP (256 ± 50 W) was higher than FTP (249 ± 44 W). Indeed, CP was significantly higher compared to FTP (P = 0.041) which was associated with a trivial effect size (d = 0.04). The mean bias between CP and FTP was 7 ± 13 W and LoA were −19 to 33 W. Even though strong correlations exist between CP and FTP (r = 0.969; P < 0.001), the chance of meaningful differences in terms of performance (1% smallest worthwhile change), were greater than 90%. With relatively large ranges for LoA between variables, these values generally should not be used interchangeably. Caution should consequently be exercised when choosing between FTP and CP for the purposes of performance analysis.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Variability in Power Output During Indoor and Outdoor Cycling Time Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1273-1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen Jeffries ◽  
Mark Waldron ◽  
Stephen D. Patterson ◽  
Brook Galna
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Portable Power ◽  
Output Variability ◽  
Competitive Cyclists ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Testing Protocols ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Purpose: Regulation of power output during cycling encompasses the integration of internal and external demands to maximize performance. However, relatively little is known about variation in power output in response to the external demands of outdoor cycling. The authors compared the mean power output and the magnitude of power-output variability and structure during a 20-min time trial performed indoors and outdoors. Methods: Twenty male competitive cyclists ( 60.4 [7.1] mL·kg−1·min−1) performed 2 randomized maximal 20-min time-trial tests: outdoors at a cycle-specific racing circuit and indoors on a laboratory-based electromagnetically braked training ergometer, 7 d apart. Power output was sampled at 1 Hz and collected on the same bike equipped with a portable power meter in both tests. Results: Twenty-minute time-trial performance indoor (280 [44] W) was not different from outdoor (284 [41] W) (P = .256), showing a strong correlation (r = .94; P < .001). Within-persons SD was greater outdoors (69 [21] W) than indoors (33 [10] W) (P < .001). Increased variability was observed across all frequencies in data from outdoor cycling compared with indoors (P < .001) except for the very slowest frequency bin (<0.0033 Hz, P = .930). Conclusions: The findings indicate a greater magnitude of variability in power output during cycling outdoors. This suggests that constraints imposed by the external environment lead to moderate- and high-frequency fluctuations in power output. Therefore, indoor testing protocols should be designed to reflect the external demands of cycling outdoors.

scholarly journals Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 737-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Borszcz ◽  
Artur Tramontin ◽  
Arthur Bossi ◽  
Lorival Carminatti ◽  
Vitor Costa
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Incremental Test ◽  
Individual Anaerobic Threshold ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Mean Power Output

AbstractFunctional threshold power is defined as the highest power output a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state for approximately 60 min (FTP60). In order to improve practicality for regular evaluations, FTP60 could theoretically be determined as 95% of the mean power output in a 20-min time trial (FTP20). This study tested this assumption and the validity of FTP20 and FTP60 against the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion, 20- and 60-min time trials, and a time to exhaustion at FTP20. Power output, heart rate and oxygen uptake representing FTP20, FTP60 and IAT were not different (p>0.05), and large to very large correlations were found (r=0.61 to 0.88). Bland-Altman plots between FTP20, FTP60 and IAT showed small bias (–1 to –5 W), but large limits of agreement ([–40 to 32 W] to [–62 to 60 W]). Time to exhaustion at FTP20 was 50.9±15.7 min. In conclusion, FTP20 and FTP60 should not be used interchangeably on an individual basis and their validity against IAT should be interpreted with caution.

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 The Validity of Functional Threshold Power and Maximal Oxygen Uptake for Cycling Performance in Moderately Trained Cyclists

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne Sørensen ◽  
Tore Kristian Aune ◽  
Vegar Rangul ◽  
Terje Dalen
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Mountain Bike ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Valid Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Performance

Cycling is a popular sport, and evaluation of the validity of tests to predict performance in competitions is important for athletes and coaches. Similarity between performance in sprints in mass-start bike races and in the laboratory is found, but, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the relationship between laboratory measurements of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and functional threshold power (FTP) with performance in official mass-start competitions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of a 20 min FTP test and VO2max as predictors for performance in an official mountain bike competition. Eleven moderately trained male cyclists at a local level participated in this study (age: 43 ± 5.1 years; height: 183.4 ± 5.4 m; weight: 84.4 ± 8.7 kg; body mass index: 25.1 ± 2.1). All subjects performed a 20 min FTP test in the laboratory to measure the mean power. In addition, the subjects completed an incremental test to exhaustion to determine VO2max. These two laboratory tests were analyzed together with the results from a 47 km mass-start mountain bike race, with a total elevation of 851 m. A significant relationship was found between the mean relative power (W/kg) for the 20 min FTP test and performance time in the race (r = −0.74, P < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between VO2max and cycling performance for these subjects (r = −0.37). These findings indicate that a 20 min FTP test is a more valid test for prediction of performance in mass-start bike races than a VO2max test for moderately trained cyclists.

scholarly journals Effect of Warm-Up and Precooling on Pacing During a 15-km Cycling Time Trial in the Heat

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koen Levels ◽  
Lennart P.J. Teunissen ◽  
Arnold de Haan ◽  
Jos J. de Koning ◽  
Bernadet van Os ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Heat Content ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Scalp Cooling ◽  
Ice Slurry ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time

Purpose:The best way to apply precooling for endurance exercise in the heat is still unclear. The authors analyzed the effect of different preparation regimens on pacing during a 15-km cycling time trial in the heat.Methods:Ten male subjects completed four 15-km time trials (30°C), preceded by different preparation regimes: 10 min cycling (WARM-UP), 30 min scalp cooling of which 10 min was cycling (SC+WARM-UP), ice-slurry ingestion (ICE), and ice slurry ingestion + 30 min scalp cooling (SC+ICE).Results:No differences were observed in finish time and mean power output, although power output was lower for WARM-UP than for SC+ICE during km 13–14 (17 ± 16 and 19 ± 14 W, respectively) and for ICE during km 13 (16 ± 16 W). Rectal temperature at the start of the time trial was lower for both ICE conditions (~36.7°C) than both WARMUP conditions (~37.1°C) and remained lower during the first part of the trial. Skin temperature and thermal sensation were lower at the start for SC+ICE.Conclusions:The preparation regimen providing the lowest body-heat content and sensation of coolness at the start (SC+ICE) was most beneficial for pacing during the latter stages of the time trial, although overall performance did not differ.

Functional Threshold Power: Relationship With Respiratory Compensation Point and Effects of Various Warm-Up Protocols

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1047-1051
Author(s):  
David Barranco-Gil ◽  
Jaime Gil-Cabrera ◽  
Pedro L. Valenzuela ◽  
Lidia B. Alejo ◽  
Almudena Montalvo-Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Maximum Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Compensation Point ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Power Relationship ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Respiratory Compensation Point ◽  
Respiratory Compensation

Purpose: The functional threshold power (FTP), which demarcates the transition from steady state to non-steady-state oxidative metabolism, is usually determined with a 20-minute cycling time trial that follows a standard ∼45-minute warm-up. This study aimed to determine if the standard warm-up inherent to FTP determination is actually necessary and how its modification or removal affects the relationship between FTP and the respiratory compensation point (RCP). Methods: A total of 15 male cyclists (age 35 [9] y, maximum oxygen uptake 66.4 [6.8] mL·kg−1·min−1) participated in this randomized, crossover study. Participants performed a ramp test for determination of RCP and maximum oxygen uptake. During subsequent visits, they performed a 20-minute time trial preceded by the “standard” warm-up that is typically performed before an FTP test (S-WU), a 10-minute warm-up at the power output (PO) corresponding to 60% of maximum oxygen uptake (60%-WU), or no warm-up (No-WU). FTP was computed as 95% of the mean PO attained during the time trial. Results: Although the FTP was correlated with the RCP independently of the warm-up (r = .89, .93, and .86 for No-WU, 60%-WU, and S-WU, respectively; all Ps < .001), the PO at RCP was higher than the FTP in all cases (bias ± 95% limits of agreement = 57 [24], 60 [23], and 57 [32] W for No-WU, 60%-WU, and S-WU, respectively; all Ps < .001 and effect size > 1.70). Conclusions: The FTP is highly correlated with the RCP but corresponds to a significantly lower PO, being these results independent of the warm-up performed (or even with no warm-up).

A Comparison of Different Prerace Warm-Up Strategies on 1-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1109-1116
Author(s):  
Mathias T. Vangsoe ◽  
Jonas K. Nielsen ◽  
Carl D. Paton
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Performance Time ◽  
Competitive Cyclists

Purpose: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and postactivation potentiation (PAP) are warm-up strategies proposed to improve high-intensity sporting performance. However, only few studies have investigated the benefits of these strategies compared with an appropriate control (CON) or an athlete-selected (SELF) warm-up protocol. Therefore, this study examined the effects of 4 different warm-up routines on 1-km time-trial (TT) performance with competitive cyclists. Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 12 well-trained cyclists (age 32 [10] y, mass 77.7 [4.6] kg, peak power output 1141 [61] W) performed 4 different warm-up strategies—(CON) 17 minutes CON only, (SELF) a self-determined warm-up, (IPC) IPC + CON, or (PAP) CON + PAP—prior to completing a maximal-effort 1-km TT. Performance time and power, quadriceps electromyograms, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), and blood lactate were measured to determine differences between trials. Results: There were no significant differences (P > .05) in 1-km performance time between CON (76.9 [5.2] s), SELF (77.3 [6.0] s), IPC (77.0 [5.5] s), or PAP (77.3 [5.9] s) protocols. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in mean or peak power output between trials. Finally, electromyogram activity, SmO2, and recovery blood lactate concentration were not different between conditions. Conclusions: Adding IPC or PAP protocols to a short CON warm-up appears to provide no additional benefit to 1-km TT performance with well-trained cyclists and is therefore not recommended. Furthermore, additional IPC and PAP protocols had no effect on electromyograms and SmO2 values during the TT or peak lactate concentration during recovery.

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