Effects of Shoe Cleat Position on Physiology and Performance of Competitive Cyclists

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl D. Paton
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Competitive Cyclists ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Foot Position

Purpose:Aerobic economy is an important factor that affects the performance of competitive cyclists. It has been suggested that placing the foot more anteriorly on the bicycle pedals may improve economy over the traditional foot position by improving pedaling efficiency. The current study examines the effects of changing the anterior-posterior pedal foot position on the physiology and performance of well-trained cyclists.Methods:In a crossover study, 10 competitive cyclists completed two maximal incremental and two submaximal tests in either their preferred (control) or a forward (arch) foot position. Maximum oxygen consumption and peak power output were determined from the incremental tests for both foot positions. On two further occasions, cyclists also completed a two-part 60-min submaximal test that required them to maintain a constant power output (equivalent to 60% of their incremental peak power) for 30 min, during which respiratory and blood lactate samples were taken at predetermined intervals. Thereafter, subjects completed a 30-min self-paced maximal effort time trial.Results:Relative to the control, the mean changes (±90% confidence limits) in the arch condition were as follows: maximum oxygen consumption, -0.5% (±2.0%); incremental peak power output, -0.8% (±1.3%); steady-state oxygen consumption at 60%, -2.4% (±1.1%); steady-state heart rate 60%, 0.4% (±1.7%); lactate concentration 60%, 8.7% (±14.4%); and mean time trial power, -1.5% (±2.9%).Conclusions:We conclude that there was no substantial physiological or performance advantage in this group using an arch-cleat shoe position in comparison with a cyclist’s normal preferred condition.

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.

scholarly journals Preexercise Cycling Protocol Alters Pacing Behavior in Competitive Time Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1303-1308
Author(s):  
Marco J. Konings ◽  
Florentina J. Hettinga
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The behavior of an opponent has been shown to alter pacing and performance. To advance our understanding of the impact of perceptual stimuli such as an opponent on pacing and performance, this study examined the effect of a preexercise cycling protocol on exercise regulation with and without an opponent. Methods: Twelve trained cyclists performed 4 experimental, self-paced 4-km time-trial conditions on an advanced cycle ergometer in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Participants started the time trial in rested state (RS) or performed a 10-min cycling protocol at 67% peak power output (CP) before the time trial. During the time trials, participants had to ride alone (NO) or against a virtual opponent (OP). The experimental conditions were (1) RS-NO, (2) RS-OP, (3) CP-NO, and (4) CP-OP. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (P < .05) were used to examine differences in pacing and performance in terms of power output. Results: A faster pace was adopted in the first kilometer during RS-OP (318 [72] W) compared with RS-NO (291 [81] W; P = .03), leading to an improved finishing time during RS-OP compared with RS-NO (P = .046). No differences in either pacing or performance were found between CP-NO and CP-OP. Conclusions: The evoked response by the opponent to adopt a faster initial pace in the 4-km time trial disappeared when cyclists had to perform a preceding cycling protocol. The outcomes of this study highlight that perceived exertion alters the responsiveness to perceptual stimuli of cyclists during competition.

scholarly journals Mixed drink increased carbohydrate oxidation but not performance during a 40 km time trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Hill
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Carbohydrate Oxidation ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Total Oxidation ◽  
Oxidation Rates ◽  
Glucose Polymer ◽  
Competitive Cyclists ◽  
Trial Participants

Background: The present study aimed to determine whether consuming a glucose polymer (GP) and fructose would result in increased carbohydrate oxidation rates and improve 40 km time trial performance compared with an isocaloric GP-only drink.Methods: Eight well-trained male competitive cyclists (VO2max 62.7 ± 9.4 ml/kg/min, power output 5.1 ± 0.6 Watts/kg) participated in three visits consisting of a peak power output (Wmax) and VO2 max test and two separate visits of a 105 minute steady state ride (at 65% Wmax), followed by a 40 km time trial. Participants received 1.2 g/min of either a GP or mixed drink every 15 min.Results: No differences were found in the 40 km performance between GP (69:14 min ± 4.12, mean ± SD) and the mixed drink (66:58 min ± 4.51, mean ± SD) trials (p = 0.289). There were no differences in blood glucose or lactate between the trials. No differences in total oxidation were found in either carbohydrate or fat oxidation rates; however, exogenous carbohydrate oxidation was significantly different between the GP drink trials at t=90 min (GP: 0.96 ± 0.36 g/min; mixed drink: 1.53 ± 0.48 g/min; p = 0.041, mean ± SD).Conclusion: The present study found no improvement in 40 km time trial time between an isocaloric GP-only or a GP and fructose drink, and no differences in any of the measured variables other than exogenous carbohydrate oxidation at 90 minutes during the pre-time trial steady state ride.

Seasonal changes in aerobic fitness indices in elite cyclists

2008 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Sassi ◽  
Franco M. Impellizzeri ◽  
Andrea Morelli ◽  
Paolo Menaspà ◽  
Ermanno Rampinini
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Absolute Maximum ◽  
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Elite Cyclists

The primary purpose of this study was to compare seasonal changes in cycling gross efficiency (GE) and economy (EC) with changes in other aerobic fitness indices. The secondary aim was to assess the relationship between maximum oxygen consumption, GE, and EC among elite cyclists. The relationships of maximum oxygen consumption with GE and EC were studied in 13 cyclists (8 professional road cyclists and 5 mountain bikers). Seasonal changes in GE and EC, predicted time to exhaustion (pTE), maximum oxygen consumption, and respiratory compensation point (RCP) were examined in a subgroup of 8 subjects, before (TREST) and after (TPRECOMP) the pre-competitive winter training, and during the competitive period (TCOMP). GE and EC were assessed during a constant power test at 75% of peak power output (PPO). Significant main effect for time was found for maximum oxygen consumption (4.623 ± 0.675, 4.879 ± 0.727, and 5.010 ± 0.663 L·min–1; p = 0.028), PPO (417.8 ± 46.5, 443.0 ± 48.0, and 455 ± 48 W; p < 0.001), oxygen uptake at RCP (3.866 ± 0.793, 4.041 ± 0.685, and 4.143 ± 0.643 L·min–1; p = 0.049), power output at RCP (330 ± 64, 354 ± 52, and 361 ± 50 W; p < 0.001), and pTE (17 ± 4, 30 ± 8, and 46 ± 17 min; p < 0.001). No significant main effect for time was found in GE (p = 0.097) or EC (p = 0.225), despite within-subject seasonal changes. No significant correlations were found between absolute maximum oxygen consumption and GE (r = –0.276; p = 0.359) or EC (r = –0.328; p = 0.272). However, cyclists with high maximum oxygen consumption values (i.e., over 80 mL·kg–1·min–1), showed low efficiency rates. Despite within-subject seasonal waves in cycling efficiency, changes in GE and EC should not be expected as direct consequence of changes in other maximal and submaximal parameters of aerobic fitness (i.e., maximum oxygen consumption and RCP).

scholarly journals Effects of carbohydrate ingestion before and during exercise on glucose kinetics and performance

2000 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 2220-2226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Febbraio ◽  
Alison Chiu ◽  
Damien J. Angus ◽  
Melissa J. Arkinstall ◽  
John A. Hawley
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Glucose ◽  
Glucose Concentration ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Glucose Oxidation ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Glucose Kinetics ◽  
Carbohydrate Ingestion ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
And Performance

We investigated the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion before and during exercise and in combination on glucose kinetics, metabolism and performance in seven trained men, who cycled for 120 min (SS) at ∼63% of peak power output, followed by a 7 kJ/kg body wt time trial (TT). On four separate occasions, subjects received either a placebo beverage before and during SS (PP); placebo 30 min before and 2 g/kg body wt of CHO in a 6.4% CHO solution throughout SS (PC); 2 g/kg body wt of CHO in a 25.7% CHO beverage 30 min before and placebo throughout SS (CP); or 2 g/kg body wt of CHO in a 25.7% CHO beverage 30 min before and 2 g/kg of CHO in a 6.4% CHO solution throughout SS (CC). Ingestion of CC and CP markedly (>8 mM) increased plasma glucose concentration ([glucose]) compared with PP and PC (5 mM). However, plasma [glucose] fell rapidly at the onset of SS so that after 80 min it was similar (6 mM) between all treatments. After this time, plasma [glucose] declined in both PP and CP ( P < 0.05) but was well maintained in both CC and PC. Ingestion of CC and CP increased rates of glucose appearance (Ra) and disappearance (Rd) compared with PP and PC at the onset of, and early during, SS ( P < 0.05). However, late in SS, both glucose Ra and Rd were higher in CC and PC compared with other trials ( P < 0.05). Although calculated rates of glucose oxidation were different when comparing the four trials ( P < 0.05), total CHO oxidation and total fat oxidation were similar. Despite this, TT was improved in CC and PC compared with PP ( P < 0.05). We conclude that 1) preexercise ingestion of CHO improves performance only when CHO ingestion is maintained throughout exercise, and 2) ingestion of CHO during 120 min of cycling improves subsequent TT 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.

Training Prescription Guided by Heart-Rate Variability in Cycling

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Javaloyes ◽  
Jose Manuel Sarabia ◽  
Robert Patrick Lamberts ◽  
Manuel Moya-Ramon
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Road Cycling

Purpose: Road cycling is a sport with extreme physiological demands. Therefore, there is a need to find new strategies to improve performance. Heart-rate variability (HRV) has been suggested as an effective alternative for prescribing training load against predefined training programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of training prescription based on HRV in road cycling performance. Methods: Seventeen well-trained cyclists participated in this study. After an initial evaluation week, cyclists performed 4 baseline weeks of standardized training to establish their resting HRV. Then, cyclists were divided into 2 groups, an HRV-guided group and a traditional periodization group, and they carried out 8 training weeks. Cyclists performed 2 evaluation weeks, after and before a training week. During the evaluation weeks, cyclists performed a graded exercise test to assess maximal oxygen uptake, peak power output, and ventilatory thresholds with their corresponding power output (VT1, VT2, WVT1, and WVT2, respectively) and a 40-min simulated time trial. Results: The HRV-guided group improved peak power output (5.1% [4.5%]; P = .024), WVT2 (13.9% [8.8%]; P = .004), and 40-min all-out time trial (7.3% [4.5%]; P = .005). Maximal oxygen uptake and WVT1 remained similar. The traditional periodization group did not improve significantly after the training week. There were no differences between groups. However, magnitude-based inference analysis showed likely beneficial and possibly beneficial effects for the HRV-guided group instead of the traditional periodization group in 40-min all-out time trial and peak power output, respectively. Conclusion: Daily training prescription based on HRV could result in a better performance enhancement than a traditional periodization in well-trained cyclists.

Peak power output, the lactate threshold, and time trial performance in cyclists

2001 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 2077-2081 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID J. BENTLEY ◽  
LARS R. MCNAUGHTON ◽  
DYLAN THOMPSON ◽  
VERONICA E. VLECK ◽  
ALAN M. BATTERHAM
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Lactate Threshold ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time Trial Performance ◽  
Trial Performance
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