scholarly journals Cyclists’ Improvement of Pedaling Efficacy and Performance After Heavy Strength Training

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernst A. Hansen ◽  
Bent R. Rønnestad ◽  
Geir Vegge ◽  
Truls Raastad
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Endurance Training ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Hip Flexion

The authors tested whether heavy strength training, including hip-flexion exercise, would reduce the extent of the phase in the crank revolution where negative or retarding crank torque occurs. Negative torque normally occurs in the upstroke phase when the leg is lifted by flexing the hip. Eighteen well-trained cyclists either performed 12 wk of heavy strength training in addition to their usual endurance training (E+S; n = 10) or merely continued their usual endurance training during the intervention period (E; n = 8). The strength training consisted of 4 lower body exercises (3 × 4–10 repetition maximum) performed twice a week. E+S enhanced cycling performance by 7%, which was more than in E (P = .02). Performance was determined as average power output in a 5-min all-out trial performed subsequent to 185 min of submaximal cycling. The performance enhancement, which has been reported previously, was here shown to be accompanied by improved pedaling efficacy during the all-out cycling. Thus, E+S shortened the phase where negative crank torque occurs by ~16°, corresponding to ~14%, which was more than in E (P = .002). In conclusion, adding heavy strength training to usual endurance training in well-trained cyclists improves pedaling efficacy during 5-min all-out cycling performed after 185 min of cycling.

Cycling Efficiency and Performance Following Short-Term Training Using Uncoupled Cranks

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Williams ◽  
Isaac Selva Raj ◽  
Kristie L. Stucas ◽  
James W. Fell ◽  
Diana Dickenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Threshold ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Gross Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Study Participants

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.

Mood and Cycling Performance in Response to Three Weeks of High-Intensity, Short-Duration Overtraining, and a Two-Week Taper

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie G. Berger ◽  
Robert W. Motl ◽  
Brian D. Butki ◽  
David T. Martin ◽  
John G. Wilkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Duration ◽  
Power Output ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Mood Disturbance ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
And Performance

This study examined changes in mood and performance in response to high-intensity, short-duration overtraining and a subsequent taper. Pursuit cyclists (N = 8) at the United States Olympic Training Center completed the POMS and simulated 4-km pursuit performance tests throughout a six-week period. The six-week period included a baseline week, three weeks of overtraining that consisted primarily of high-intensity interval training, and a two-week taper. Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) scores displayed a quadratic polynomial effect across the three weeks of overtraining (p < .01), with the highest TMD scores occurring in the second week. Average TMD scores were lower during the taper than at baseline (p < .02) and lower at taper than overtraining (p < .0005). Cycling performance (pursuit time and average power output) improved during the three weeks of overtraining; additional improvements were observed during the taper. There were no significant correlations between TMD and performance. However, pursuit time, average power output, and mood disturbance scores were at optimal levels throughout the taper period. These findings suggest that high-intensity, short-duration overtraining may not result in an overtraining syndrome in 4-km pursuit cyclists.

The Effect of Superoxygenated Water on Blood Gases, Lactate, and Aerobic Cycling Performance

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars R. McNaughton ◽  
Steve Kenney ◽  
Jason Siegler ◽  
Adrian W. Midgley ◽  
Ric J. Lovell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Test ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Average Power Output

Context:Recently, superoxygenated-water beverages have emerged as a new purported ergogenic substance.Purpose:This study aimed to determine the effects of superoxygenated water on submaximal endurance performance.Methods:Eleven active male subjects, VO2max 52.6 ± 4.8 mL · kg−1 · min−1, height 180.0 ± 2.0 cm, weight 76.0 ± 7.0 kg, age 24 ± 1.0 y (mean ± SD), completed a 45-min cycle-ergometry exercise test at 70% of their previously predicted maximal power output with a 10-min rest period, followed by a 15-min time trial (TT). Thirty minutes before the exercise test subjects consumed 15 mL of either superoxygenated water (E) or placebo (P; water mixed with low-chlorine solution). Subjects then completed the test again a week later for the other condition (double-blind, randomized). The physiological variables measured during exercise were VO2, VCO2, respiratory-exchange ratio (RER), VE, PO2, PCO2, blood lactate (bLa–), and heart rate (HR). Mean distance covered and the average power output for the 15-min TT were also measured as performance indicators.Results:There were no significant differences in VO2, VCO2, RER, VE, bLa−, PO2, and HR (P > .05) during the exercise tests. Neither were there any significant improvements in the total distance covered (P 9.01 ± 0.74 km vs E 8.96 ± 0.68 km, P > .05) or the average power output (P 186.7 ± 35.8 W vs E 179.0 ± 25.9 W, P > .05) during the 15-min TT.Conclusion:Based on these results the authors conclude that consuming 15 mL of superoxygenated water does not enhance submaximal or maximal TT cycling performance.

Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Feedings and 1h Time Trial Cycling Performance

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 541-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Desbrow ◽  
Sally Anderson ◽  
Jennifer Barrett ◽  
Elissa Rao ◽  
Mark Hargreaves
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Dietary Regimen ◽  
Trained Subjects ◽  
Sports Drink ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
Glucose Availability

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.

The Isocapnic Buffering Phase and Mechanical Efficiency: Relationship to Cycle Time Trial Performance of Short and Long Duration

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Bentley ◽  
Veronica E. Vleck ◽  
Gregoire P. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Incremental Test ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the isocapnic buffer (βisocapnic) and hypocapnic hyperventilation (HHV) phases as well as performance in a short (20-min) and long (90-min) time trial (TT) in trained athletes. In addition, gross (GE, %) and delta (ΔE, %) efficiency were calculated and the relationship between these variables and the average power output (W) in each TT was determined. Thirteen male endurance athletes (Mean ± SD age 31 ± 6 yrs; body mass 75.6 ± 6.3 kg; height 185 ± 6 cm) completed a continuous incremental test to exhaustion for determination of the βisocapnic and HHV phases. A second submaximal test was used to determine GE and ΔE. The average power output (W) was measured in a 20-min and 90-min cycling TT. The βisocapnic phase (W) was significantly correlated to the average power output (W) in the 20-min TT (r = 0.58; p <  0.05), but not in the 90-min TT (r = 0.28). The HHV phase (W) was not significantly correlated to the average power output in the 20-min or 90-min TT. No significant correlation was found for GE or for ΔE and performance in the TT. The data from this study shows that βisocapnic together with HHV is not likely to be a useful indicator of cycle TT performance of 20- to 90-min duration. Furthermore, GE and ΔE determined from a submaximal incremental stepwise test are not related to cycling TT performance of different duration. Key words: incremental, correlation, metabolism, athletes, fatigue

Impairment of Performance Variables After In-Season Strength-Training Cessation in Elite Cyclists

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 727-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bent R. Rønnestad ◽  
Joar Hansen ◽  
Ivana Hollan ◽  
Matt Spencer ◽  
Stian Ellefsen
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Endurance Training ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Wingate Test ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Competition Period ◽  
Elite Cyclists

The current study investigated the effects of 8 wk of strength-training cessation after 25 wk of strength training on strength- and cycling-performance characteristics. Elite cyclists were randomly assigned to either 25 wk of endurance training combined with heavy strength training (EXP, n = 7, maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] 77 ± 6 mL . kg-1 . min-1; 3 × 4–10 RM, 1 to 2 d/wk) or to endurance training only (CON, n = 7, V̇O2max 73 ± 5 mL . kg-1 . min-1). Thereafter, both groups performed endurance training only for 8 wk, coinciding with the initial part of the competition season. Data were assessed for practical significance using magnitude-based inferences. During the 25-wk preparatory period, EXP had a larger positive impact on maximal isometric half-squat force, squat jump (SJ), maximal aerobic power (Wmax), power output at 4 mmol/L [La], and mean power in 30-s Wingate test than did CON (ES = 0.46-0.74). Conversely, during the 8-wk competition period EXP had a reduction in SJ, Wmax, and mean power in the 30-s Wingate test compared with CON (ES = 0.49-0.84). The present findings suggest rapid decline of adaptations on termination of strength training during the first 8 wk of the competition period in elite cyclists.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Effect of Strength Training on Cycling Performance between Men and Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Olav Vikmoen ◽  
Bent R. Rønnestad
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Endurance Training ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Concurrent Training ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Muscle Cross Sectional Area

During the last decade numerous review articles have been published on how concurrent strength and endurance training affect cycling performance. However, none of these have reviewed if there are any sex differences in the effects of concurrent training on cycling performance, and most research in this area has been performed with male cyclists. Thus, the aim of the current paper is to review the scientific literature on the effect of concurrent training on cycling performance in male and female cyclists with a special emphasis on potential sex differences. The results indicate that both male and female cyclists experience a similar beneficial effect from concurrent training on cycling performance and its physiological determinants compared to normal endurance training only. Some data indicate that women have a larger effect on cycling economy, but more studies are needed to explore this further. Furthermore, the adaptations to strength training thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects on cycling performance seem to be very similar between men and women. Interestingly, increased muscle cross-sectional area in the main locomotor muscles seems to be an important adaptation for improved performance, and, contrary to popular belief, cyclists should aim for increased muscle cross-sectional area when adding strength training to their normal training. We conclude that both male and female cyclists can improve their cycling performance by adding strength training to their normal training.

Comparing Active, Passive, and Combined Warm-Ups Among Junior Alpine Skiers in −7°C

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kerry McGawley ◽  
Matt Spencer ◽  
Anna Olofsson ◽  
Erik P. Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Average Power ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Transition Phase ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Cycling Test ◽  
Subzero Temperatures ◽  
Passive Transition ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
Alpine Skiers ◽  
Experimental Trials

Context: Warming up in very cold climates and maintaining an elevated body temperature prior to a race is challenging for snow-sport athletes. Purpose: To investigate the effects of active (ACT), passive (PAS), and a combination of ACT and PAS (COM) warm-ups on maximal physical performance in a subzero environment among snow-sport athletes. Methods: Ten junior alpine skiers completed 3 experimental trials in −7.2 (0.2)°C. The ACT involved 5 minutes of moderate cycling, 3 × 15-second accelerations, a 6-second sprint, 5 countermovement jumps (CMJs), and a 10-minute passive transition phase, while in PAS, participants wore a lower-body heated garment for 24 minutes. In COM, participants completed the active warm-up, then wore the heated garment during the transition phase. Two maximal CMJs and a 90-second maximal isokinetic cycling test followed the warm-up. Results: CMJ performance was likely (P = .150) and very likely (P = .013) greater in ACT and COM, respectively, versus PAS. Average power output during the cycling test was likely (P = .074) greater in ACT and COM versus PAS. Participants felt likely to almost certainly warmer (P < .01) and more comfortable (P = .161) during ACT and COM versus PAS. In addition, participants felt likely warmer (P = .136) and very likely more comfortable (P = .161) in COM versus ACT. Conclusions: COM resulted in significantly improved CMJ performance versus PAS while both ACT and COM led to likely improved 90-second cycling performance. Participants felt significantly warmer during ACT and COM versus PAS and likely warmer in COM versus ACT. Therefore, a combined warm-up is recommended for alpine skiers performing in subzero temperatures.

Strength Training Improves Exercise Economy in Triathletes During a Simulated Triathlon

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Kate M. Luckin-Baldwin ◽  
Claire E. Badenhorst ◽  
Ashley J. Cripps ◽  
Grant J. Landers ◽  
Robert J. Merrells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Endurance Training ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Maximal Strength ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Exercise Economy ◽  
And Performance

Purpose: The completion of concurrent strength and endurance training can improve exercise economy in cyclists and runners; however, the efficacy of strength training (ST) implementation to improve economy in long-distance (LD) triathletes has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate physiological outcomes in LD triathletes when ST was completed concurrently to endurance training. Methods: A total of 25 LD triathletes were randomly assigned to either 26 weeks of concurrent endurance and ST (n = 14) or endurance training only (n = 11). The ST program progressed from moderate (8–12 repetitions, ≤75% of 1-repetition maximum, weeks 0–12) to heavy loads (1–6 repetitions, ≥85% of 1-repetition maximum, weeks 14–26). Physiological and performance indicators (cycling and running economy, swim time, blood lactate, and heart rate) were measured during a simulated triathlon (1500-m swim, 60-min cycle, and 20-min run) at weeks 0, 14, and 26. Maximal strength and anthropometric measures (skinfolds and body mass) were also collected at these points. Results: The endurance strength group significantly improved maximal strength measures at weeks 14 and 26 (P < .05), cycling economy from weeks 0 to 14 (P < .05), and running economy from weeks 14 to 26 (P < .05) with no change in body mass (P > .05). The endurance-only group did not significantly improve any economy measures. Conclusions: The addition of progressive load ST to LD triathletes’ training programs can significantly improve running and cycling economy without an increase in body mass.

scholarly journals The acute effect of lower-body training on average power output measured by loaded half-squat jump exercise

Acta Gymnica ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-111
Author(s):  
Matus Krcmar ◽  
Jaromir Simonek ◽  
Ivan Vasilovsky
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Jump Exercise ◽  
Average Power Output
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