Cycling Performance and Training Load: Effects of Intensity and Duration

Author(s):  
Antonis Kesisoglou ◽  
Andrea Nicolò ◽  
Louis Passfield

Purpose: To examine the effect of cycling exercise intensity and duration on subsequent performance and to compare the resulting acute performance decrement (APD) with total work done (TWD) and corresponding training-load (TL) metrics. Methods: A total of 14 male cyclists performed a 5-minute time trial (TT) as a baseline and after 4 initial exercise bouts of varying exercise intensity and duration. The initial exercise bouts were performed in a random order and consisted of a 5- and a 20-minute TT and a 20- and a 40-minute submaximal ride. The resulting APD was calculated as the percentage change in 5-minute TT from baseline, and this was compared with the TWD and TL metrics for the corresponding initial exercise bout. Results: Average power output was different for each of the 4 initial exercise bouts (; P < .001), and all bouts resulted in an APD. But APD was only different when comparing maximal with submaximal bouts (; P < .001). The APD contradicted TWD and TL metrics and was not different when comparing 5- and 20-minute maximal TTs or the 20- and 40-minute submaximal bouts. In contrast, TL metrics were different for all training sessions (; P < .001). Conclusion: An APD is found after initial exercise bouts consisting of 5- and 20-minute TTs and after 20- and 40-minute of submaximal exercise that is not consistent with the corresponding values for TWD or TL. This discrepancy highlights important shortcomings when using TWD and TL to compare exercise bouts of different intensity and duration.

2019 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 1651-1659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amadeo F. Salvador ◽  
Colleen F. McKenna ◽  
Rafael A. Alamilla ◽  
Ryan M. T. Cloud ◽  
Alexander R. Keeble ◽  
...  

Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion is an established strategy to improve endurance performance. Race fuels should not only sustain performance but also be readily digested and absorbed. Potatoes are a whole-food-based option that fulfills these criteria, yet their impact on performance remains unexamined. We investigated the effects of potato purée ingestion during prolonged cycling on subsequent performance vs. commercial CHO gel or a water-only condition. Twelve cyclists (70.7 ± 7.7 kg, 173 ± 8 cm, 31 ± 9 yr, 22 ± 5.1% body fat; means ± SD) with average peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak) of 60.7 ± 9.0 mL·kg−1·min−1 performed a 2-h cycling challenge (60–85% V̇o2peak) followed by a time trial (TT; 6 kJ/kg body mass) while consuming potato, gel, or water in a randomized-crossover design. The race fuels were administered with [U-13C6]glucose for an indirect estimate of gastric emptying rate. Blood samples were collected throughout the trials. Blood glucose concentrations were higher ( P < 0.001) in potato and gel conditions compared with water condition. Blood lactate concentrations were higher ( P = 0.001) after the TT completion in both CHO conditions compared with water condition. TT performance was improved ( P = 0.032) in both potato (33.0 ± 4.5 min) and gel (33.0 ± 4.2 min) conditions compared with water condition (39.5 ± 7.9 min). Moreover, no difference was observed in TT performance between CHO conditions ( P = 1.00). In conclusion, potato and gel ingestion equally sustained blood glucose concentrations and TT performance. Our results support the effective use of potatoes to support race performance for trained cyclists. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The ingestion of concentrated carbohydrate gels during prolonged exercise has been shown to promote carbohydrate availability and improve exercise performance. Our study aim was to expand and diversify race fueling menus for athletes by providing an evidence-based whole-food alternative to the routine ingestion of gels during training and competition. Our work shows that russet potato ingestion during prolonged cycling is as effective as carbohydrate gels to support exercise performance in trained athletes.


2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Williams ◽  
Isaac Selva Raj ◽  
Kristie L. Stucas ◽  
James W. Fell ◽  
Diana Dickenson ◽  
...  

Objectives:Uncoupled cycling cranks are designed to remove the ability of one leg to assist the other during the cycling action. It has been suggested that training with this type of crank can increase mechanical efficiency. However, whether these improvements can confer performance enhancement in already well-trained cyclists has not been reported.Method:Fourteen well-trained cyclists (13 males, 1 female; 32.4 ± 8.8 y; 74.5 ± 10.3 kg; Vo2max 60.6 ± 5.5 mL·kg−1·min−1; mean ± SD) participated in this study. Participants were randomized to training on a stationary bicycle using either an uncoupled (n = 7) or traditional crank (n = 7) system. Training involved 1-h sessions, 3 days per week for 6 weeks, and at a heart rate equivalent to 70% of peak power output (PPO) substituted into the training schedule in place of other training. Vo2max, lactate threshold, gross efficiency, and cycling performance were measured before and following the training intervention. Pre- and post testing was conducted using traditional cranks.Results:No differences were observed between the groups for changes in Vo2max, lactate threshold, gross efficiency, or average power maintained during a 30-minute time trial.Conclusion:Our results indicate that 6 weeks (18 sessions) of training using an uncoupled crank system does not result in changes in any physiological or performance measures in well-trained cyclists.


Biotecnia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
Ever Espino-González ◽  
María J. Muñoz-Daw ◽  
Juan M. Rivera-Sosa ◽  
María L. De la Torre-Díaz ◽  
Gabriel E. Cano-Olivas ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an amaranth-based beverage (CHO-P) on cycling performance and hydration status, despite containing a total caloric content higher than that of a commercial sports beverage (CHO-P: 52.48 kcal per 100 mL vs CHO: 24 kcal per 100 mL). In a randomized, crossover design, six cyclists performed two exercise tests separated by seven days. Each test comprised two time-trials (32.20 km and 5 km) separated by 10 min of rest. Participants consumed either an amaranth-based beverage (CHO-P; 10% and 1.5% concentrations) or a commercial sports beverage (CHO; 6%). Changes in hematocrit and body mass, ratings of perceived exertion, and average power were assessed throughout both tests. 32.2-km time-trial performance was enhanced with CHO-P compared to CHO (54.3 ± 4.1 min vs 55.6 ± 4.8 min; p<0.05). However, no other variablemeasured in this study was significantly different between beverage types. Further laboratory based research should be performed to further explore the ergogenic potential of amaranth supplementation during endurance exercise.


2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Desbrow ◽  
Clare Minahan ◽  
Michael Leveritt

This study investigated whether a change in beverage favor during endurance cycling improves subsequent performance. Eight trained male athletes (age 24.3 ± 3.9 y, weight 74.7 ± 6.0 kg, peak O2 uptake [VO2peak] 65.4 ± 5.4 mL·kg−1·min−1; mean ± SD) undertook 3 trials, with training and diet being controlled. Trials consisted of 120 min of steady-state (SS) cycling at ~70% VO2peak, immediately followed by a 7-kJ/kg time trial (TT). During exercise subjects were provided with fluids every 20 min. After 80 min of SS cycling subjects either continued drinking the same-favor sports drink or changed to an alternate favor—either an alternate-favor sports drink (AFSD) or cola. All beverages were carbohydrate and volume matched. Changing drink favor caused no significant change in TT time (sports drink 27:16 ± 03:12, AFSD 27:06 ± 03:16, cola 27:03 ± 02:42; min: s). The various favors produced no treatment effects on heart rate, blood glucose, or rating of perceived exertion throughout the SS exercise protocol. The influence of other taste variables such as palatability, bitterness, or timing of favor change on endurance-exercise performance requires more rigorous investigation.


2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 541-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Desbrow ◽  
Sally Anderson ◽  
Jennifer Barrett ◽  
Elissa Rao ◽  
Mark Hargreaves

The effects of a commercial sports drink on performance in high-intensity cycling was investigated. Nine well-trained subjects were asked to complete a set amount of work as fast as possible (time trial) following 24 h of dietary (subjects were provided with food, energy 57.4 ± 2.4 kcal/kg and carbohydrate 9.1 ± 0.4 g/kg) and exercise control. During exercise, subjects were provided with 14 mL/kg of either 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) solution or carbohydrate-free placebo (P). Results showed that subjects’ performances did not greatly improve (time, 62:34 ± 6:44 min:sec (CHO-E) vs. 62:40 ± 5:35 min:sec (P); average power output, 283.0 ± 25.0 W (CHO-E) vs. 282.9 ± 29.3 W (P), P > 0.05) while consuming the sports drink. It was concluded that CHO-E consumption throughout a 1-h time trial, following a pre-exercise dietary regimen designed to optimize glucose availability, did not improve time or power output to a greater degree than P in well-trained cyclists.


Author(s):  
Zacharogiannis Elias ◽  
Pilianidis Theophilos ◽  
Dallas Giorgos ◽  
Mantzuranis Nikos ◽  
Argitaki Polixeni ◽  
...  

The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear to determine cyclists’ endurance capabilities, analyze performance and help coaches to design training. Data in the literature are limited so as to elucidate this. The aim of this study was to investigate the tlimit at the power output, which corresponds to 90 (tlimit 90) and 100% VO2max (tlimit 100) in elite endurance cyclists. The contribution of tlimit in 3 km indoor individual time trial was also studied. Subjects were eleven elite male road cyclists (age 17.7  0.5 years, body mass 66.8  4.9 kg, body height 176.3  7.4 cm, VO2max 69.77  2.58 ml.kg-1.min-1). Power output at 90 and 100% VO2max was determined by continuous incremental testing. This protocol had steps of 2 min and increments of 30 W. The exhaustive trials tlimit 90 or tlimit 100 were performed in random order at least five days apart. Five days after the last exhaustive trial, cyclists performed an individual 3 km time trial on an indoor wooden track. Mean sd, tlimit 90 and tlimit 100 were 16:27.73  07:46.6 and 4:48.6  00:53.2 min:sec. Time to exhaustion at tlimit 90 and tlimit 100 ranged between 07:00-30:15 and 03:10-06:00 min:sec, respectively. Tlimit 100, tlimit 90 and VO2max (ml.min-1) did not correlate with 3 km cycling performance (r = 0.08, 0.16 and –0.59, p > 0.05). Tlimit 90 was inversely related (r = –0.49, p = 0.1) with VO2max (ml.min-1). Only power output which corresponded to ventilatory threshold and VO2max correlated significantly with 3 km performance (r = –0.83 and –0.80, p < 0.01). The results of this study indicate that: a) if cyclists’ training intensity is based on %VO2max, individual determination of the tlimit at the %VO2max has to be considered due to a wide range of tlimit to exhaustion; b) 3 km performance directly depends on the power that corresponds with ventilatory threshold and VO2max. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0723/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Broome ◽  
Andrea Braakhuis ◽  
Cameron Mitchell ◽  
Troy Merry

Abstract BackgroundExercise increases skeletal muscle ROS production, which may contribute to the onset of muscular fatigue and impair athletic performance. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants such as MitoQ are becoming popular amongst active individuals as they are designed to accumulate within mitochondria and may provide targeted protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effect of MitoQ supplementation on cycling performance is currently unknown. Here we investigate whether MitoQ supplementation can improve cycling performance measured as time to complete an 8 km time trial.MethodIn a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 19 middle-aged (age: 44 ± 4 years) recreationally trained (VO2peak: 58.5 ± 6.2 ml·kg·min− 1, distance cycled per week during six months prior to study enrollment: 158.3 ± 58.4 km) male cyclists completed 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak followed by an 8 km time trial after 28 days of supplementation with MitoQ (20 mg/day) and a placebo. Free F2-isoprostanes were measured in plasma samples collected at rest, after 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak and after completion of the time trial. Respiratory gases and measures of rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected.ResultsMean completion time for the time trial was 1.3% faster with MitoQ (12.91 ± 0.94 min) compared to placebo (13.09 ± 0.95 min, P = 0.04 95% CI [0.05, 2.64], d = 0.2). There was no difference in RPE during the time trial between conditions (P = 0.82) despite average power output during the time trial being higher following MitoQ supplementation (280 ± 53 W) compared to placebo (270 ± 51 W, P = 0.04). Plasma F2-isoprostanes were lower on completion of the time trial following MitoQ supplementation (35.89 ± 13.6 pg/ml) compared to placebo (44.7 ± 16.9 pg/ml P = 0.03).ConclusionThese data suggest that MitoQ supplementation may be an effective nutritional strategy to attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative damage to lipids and improve cycling performance.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619000451101) on 19th March 2019.


Author(s):  
S. C. Broome ◽  
A. J. Braakhuis ◽  
C. J. Mitchell ◽  
T. L. Merry

Abstract Background Exercise increases skeletal muscle reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which may contribute to the onset of muscular fatigue and impair athletic performance. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants such as MitoQ, which contains a ubiquinone moiety and is targeted to mitochondria through the addition of a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation, are becoming popular amongst active individuals as they are designed to accumulate within mitochondria and may provide targeted protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effect of MitoQ supplementation on cycling performance is currently unknown. Here, we investigate whether MitoQ supplementation can improve cycling performance measured as time to complete an 8 km time trial. Method In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 19 middle-aged (age: 44 ± 4 years) recreationally trained (VO2peak: 58.5 ± 6.2 ml·kg− 1·min− 1, distance cycled per week during 6 months prior to study enrollment: 158.3 ± 58.4 km) male cyclists completed 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak followed by an 8 km time trial after 28 days of supplementation with MitoQ (20 mg·day− 1) and a placebo. Free F2-isoprostanes were measured in plasma samples collected at rest, after 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak and after completion of the time trial. Respiratory gases and measures of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected. Results Mean completion time for the time trial was 1.3% faster with MitoQ (12.91 ± 0.94 min) compared to placebo (13.09 ± 0.95 min, p = 0.04, 95% CI [0.05, 2.64], d = 0.2). There was no difference in RPE during the time trial between conditions (p = 0.82) despite there being a 4.4% increase in average power output during the time trial following MitoQ supplementation compared to placebo (placebo; 270 ± 51 W, MitoQ; 280 ± 53 W, p = 0.04, 95% CI [0.49, 8.22], d = 0.2). Plasma F2-isoprostanes were lower on completion of the time trial following MitoQ supplementation (35.89 ± 13.6 pg·ml− 1) compared to placebo (44.7 ± 16.9 pg·ml− 1p = 0.03). Conclusion These data suggest that MitoQ supplementation may be an effective nutritional strategy to attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative damage to lipids and improve cycling performance.


2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karianne Backx ◽  
Ken A. van Someren ◽  
Garry S. Palmer

This study investigated the effect of differing fluid volumes consumed during exercise, on cycle time-trial (TT) performance conducted under thermoneutral conditions (20 °C, 70% RH). Ten minutes after consuming a bolus of 6 ml · kg−1 body mass (BM) of a 6.4% CHO solution and immediately following a warm-up, 8 male cyclists undertook a 1-h self-paced TT on 4 separate occasions. During a “familiarization” trial, subjects were given three 5-min periods (15– 20 min, 30–35 min, and 45–50 min) to consume fluid ad libitum. Thereafter subjects undertook, in random order, trials consuming high (HF), moderate (MF), or low fluid (LF) volumes, where 300, 150, and 40 ml of fluid were consumed at 15, 30, and 45 min of each trial, respectively, and total CHO intake was maintained at 57.6 g. During exercise, power output and heart rate were monitored continuously, whilst stomach fullness was rated every 10 min. Additionally, BM loss and BM loss corrected for fluid intake was calculated during each trial. At 40, 50, and 60 min differences in ratings of stomach fullness were found between trials (LF vs. HF and MF vs. HF). There were however no differences in performance or physiological variables (heart rate or BM loss) between trials. These results indicate that when a pre-exercise CHO bolus is consumed, there is no effect of subsequent consumption of different fluid volumes when trained cyclists undertake a 1-h performance task in a thermoneutral environment.


Author(s):  
Antonis Kesisoglou ◽  
Andrea Nicolò ◽  
Lucinda Howland ◽  
Louis Passfield

Purpose: To examine the effect of continuous (CON) and intermittent (INT) running training sessions of different durations and intensities on subsequent performance and calculated training load (TL). Methods: Runners (N = 11) performed a 1500-m time trial as a baseline and after completing 4 different running training sessions. The training sessions were performed in a randomized order and were either maximal for 10 minutes (10CON and 10INT) or submaximal for 25 minutes (25CON and 25INT). An acute performance decrement (APD) was calculated as the percentage change in 1500-m time-trial speed measured after training compared with baseline. The pattern of APD response was compared with that for several TL metrics (bTRIMP, eTRIMP, iTRIMP, running training stress score, and session rating of perceived exertion) for the respective training sessions. Results: Average speed (P < .001, ) was different for each of the initial training sessions, which all resulted in a significant APD. This APD was similar when compared across the sessions except for a greater APD found after 10INT versus 25CON (P = .02). In contrast, most TL metrics were different and showed the opposite response to APD, being higher for CON versus INT and lower for 10- versus 25-minute sessions (P < .001, ). Conclusion: An APD was observed consistently after running training sessions, but it was not consistent with most of the calculated TL metrics. The lack of agreement found between APD and TL suggests that current methods for quantifying TL are flawed when used to compare CON and INT running training sessions of different durations and intensities.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document