Effects of Different Stepwise Reduction Taper Protocols on Cycling Performance

This study examined the effects of different 7-day taper protocols on simulated 20-km time trials (20TT). Following 3 weeks of baseline training, 11 male cyclists ([Formula: see text]= 4.78 ± 0.66 L•min−1) were randomly assigned to one of three stepwise reduction tapers in which training volume was reduced by 30% (T30, n = 5), 50% (T50, n = 6), or 80% (T80, n = 6) of baseline training with intensity (85% [Formula: see text]) maintained. Cardiorespiratory measurements were collected every 5 km during the 20TT. Results revealed a significant (5.4%,p ≤ 0.05) improvement in 20TT performance in the T50 protocol with concomitant increases in [Formula: see text] and O2 pulse. No significant differences were found in T30 or T80. These results showed that a moderate (50%) reduction in weekly training volume appeared to be optimal in terms of enhancing performance. This confirms the contention that proper placement of training volume during tapering, while maintaining exercise intensity, can elicit performance improvements. Key words: tapering, simulated time trial performance, cyclists, physiological mechanisms

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Influence of Interval Training Frequency on Time-Trial Performance in Elite Endurance Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17093190 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 3190

Author(s):

Espen Tønnessen ◽

Jonny Hisdal ◽

Bent R. Ronnestad

Keyword(s):

Time Trial ◽

Interval Training ◽

Endurance Athletes ◽

Training Volume ◽

Time Trial Performance ◽

Performance Improvements ◽

Frequency Group ◽

Training Frequency ◽

The Impact ◽

Trial Performance

Purpose: To determine the impact of interval training frequency in elite endurance athletes. It was hypothesized that two longer sessions would elicit greater performance improvements and physiological adaptation than four shorter sessions at the same intensity. Methods: Elite cross-country skiers and biathletes were randomly assigned to either a high-frequency group (HF group) (5 M, 1 F, age 22 (19–26), VO2max 67.8 (65.5–70.2) mL/kg/min) doing four short interval sessions per week or a low-frequency group (LF group) (8 M, 1 F, age 22 (18–23), VO2max 70.7 (67.0–73.9) mL/kg/min) doing two longer interval sessions. All interval sessions were performed at ~85% of maximum heart rate, and groups were matched for total weekly training volume. Pre- and post-intervention, athletes completed an 8 km rollerski time-trial, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test, and an incremental, submaximal exercise test. Results: The LF group had a statistically significant improved time-trial performance following the intervention (p = 0.04), with no statistically significant changes in the HF group. Similarly, percentage utilization of VO2max at anaerobic threshold (p = 0.04) and exercise economy (p = 0.01) were statistically significantly improved following the intervention in the LF group only. No statistically significant changes in VO2max were observed in either group. Conclusions: Two longer interval sessions appear superior to four shorter sessions per week in promoting endurance adaptations and performance improvements in elite endurance athletes. Despite matched training volume and exercise intensity, the larger, more concentrated exercise stimulus in the LF group appears to induce more favorable adaptations. The longer time between training sessions in the LF group may also have allowed athletes to recover more effectively and better “absorb” the training. These findings are in line with the “best practice” observed by many of the world’s best endurance athletes.

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Dietary Antioxidant Supplementation Combined with Quercetin Improves Cycling Time Trial Performance

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.16.4.405 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 405-419 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

Holden S-H. MacRae ◽

Kari M. Mefferd

Keyword(s):

Peak Power ◽

Time Trial ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Antioxidant Supplementation ◽

Double Blind ◽

Cycling Time Trial ◽

Dietary Antioxidant ◽

Power Peak ◽

Manova Analysis ◽

Trial Performance

We investigated whether 6 wk of antioxidant supplementation (AS) would enhance 30 km time trial (TT) cycling performance. Eleven elite male cyclists completed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to test the effects of twice daily AS containing essential vitamins plus quercetin (FRS), and AS minus quercetin (FRS-Q) versus a baseline TT (B). MANOVA analysis showed that time to complete the 30 km TT was improved by 3.1% on FRS compared to B (P ≤ 0.01), and by 2% over the last 5 km (P ≤ 0.05). Absolute and relative (%HRmax) heart rates and percent VO2max were not different between trials, but average and relative power (% peak power) was higher on FRS (P ≤ 0.01). Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were not different between trials. Thus, FRS supplementation significantly improved high-intensity cycling TT performance through enhancement of power output. Further study is needed to determine the potential mechanism(s) of the antioxidant efficacy.

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Dairy-Based Preexercise Meal Does Not Affect Gut Comfort or Time-Trial Performance in Female Cyclists

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0069 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 553-558 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eric C. Haakonssen ◽

Megan L. Ross ◽

Louise E. Cato ◽

Alisa Nana ◽

Emma J. Knight ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Health ◽

Clinical Evidence ◽

Aerobic Power ◽

Time Trial ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Maximal Aerobic Power ◽

Mean Power ◽

Dairy Foods ◽

Gastrointestinal Discomfort ◽

Trial Performance

Some athletes avoid dairy in the meal consumed before exercise due to fears about gastrointestinal discomfort. Regular exclusion of dairy foods may unnecessarily reduce intake of high quality proteins and calcium with possible implications for body composition and bone health. This study compared the effects of meals that included (Dairy) or excluded (Control) dairy foods on gastric comfort and subsequent cycling performance. Well-trained female cyclists (n = 32; mean ± SD; 24.3 ± 4.1 y; VO2peak 57.1 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min) completed two trials (randomized cross-over design) in which they consumed a meal (2 g/kg carbohydrate and 54 kJ/kg) 2 hr before a 90-min cycle session (80 min at 60% maximal aerobic power followed by a 10-min time trial; TT). The dairy meal contained 3 servings of dairy foods providing ~1350 mg calcium. Gut comfort and palatability were measured using questionnaires. Performance was measured as maximum mean power during the TT (MMP10min). There was no statistical or clinical evidence of an effect of meal type on MMP10min with a mean difference (Dairy – Control) of 4 W (95% CI [–2, 9]). There was no evidence of an association between pretrial gut comfort and meal type (p = .15) or between gut comfort delta scores and meal type postmeal (p = .31), preexercise (p = .17) or postexercise (p = .80). There was no statistical or clinical evidence of a difference in palatability between meal types. In summary, substantial amounts of dairy foods can be included in meals consumed before strenuous cycling without impairing either gut comfort or performance.

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Brain mapping after prolonged cycling and during recovery in the heat

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00633.2013 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 115 (9) ◽

pp. 1324-1331 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Kevin De Pauw ◽

Bart Roelands ◽

Uroš Marušič ◽

Helio Fernandez Tellez ◽

Kristel Knaepen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cold Water ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Time Trial ◽

Insular Cortex ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Active Recovery ◽

Somatosensory Information ◽

Postexercise Recovery ◽

Simulated Time

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prolonged intensive cycling and postexercise recovery in the heat on brain sources of altered brain oscillations. After a max test and familiarization trial, nine trained male subjects (23 ± 3 yr; maximal oxygen uptake = 62.1 ± 5.3 ml·min−1·kg−1) performed three experimental trials in the heat (30°C; relative humidity 43.7 ± 5.6%). Each trial consisted of two exercise tasks separated by 1 h. The first was a 60-min constant-load trial, followed by a 30-min simulated time trial (TT1). The second comprised a 12-min simulated time trial (TT2). After TT1, active recovery (AR), passive rest (PR), or cold water immersion (CWI) was applied for 15 min. Electroencephalography was measured at baseline and during postexercise recovery. Standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography was applied to accurately pinpoint and localize altered electrical neuronal activity. After CWI, PR and AR subjects completed TT2 in 761 ± 42, 791 ± 76, and 794 ± 62 s, respectively. A prolonged intensive cycling performance in the heat decreased β activity across the whole brain. Postexercise AR and PR elicited no significant electrocortical differences, whereas CWI induced significantly increased β3 activity in Brodmann areas (BA) 13 (posterior margin of insular cortex) and BA 40 (supramarginal gyrus). Self-paced prolonged exercise in the heat seems to decrease β activity, hence representing decreased arousal. Postexercise CWI increased β3 activity at BA 13 and 40, brain areas involved in somatosensory information processing.

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A Comparison of the Effects of a Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Cycling Performance in Depleted and Non-depleted Glycogen States

The Boller Review ◽

10.18776/tcu/br/3/88 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Nicole Hicks ◽

Class of 2018 ◽

Bailey Sullivan ◽

Class of 2018

Keyword(s):

Treatment Effect ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Performance Enhancement ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Time Trial ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Mouth Rinse ◽

Significant Treatment Effect ◽

Significant Treatment ◽

Performance Improvements

Performance improvements have been reported when mouth rinsing with a carbohydrate (CHO) solution during short duration, high intensity endurance exercise. Limited research has been conducted in this area when endogenous CHO stores are depleted. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a CHO mouth rinse on endurance-trained cyclists during a 30-kilometer time trial in depleted vs. non-depleted glycogen states. METHODS: 5 endurance-trained men (28±7 years; 179.32±8.15 cm; 68.65±8.16 kg; 54.00±5.95 mL/kg/min VO2 max) participated in a repeated measures crossover study using a CHO mouth rinse (6.4% maltodextrin) or placebo. RESULTS: Subjects completed the time trial faster (p=0.033) in the non-depleted state, despite reporting lower RPE (p=0.010). There was no significant treatment effect, but subjects completed the time trial 20 seconds faster in the depleted CHO mouth rinse condition. Power output was significantly higher (p=0.010) in non-depleted than depleted conditions; no significant treatment effect was observed. RER was significantly higher (p=0.001) in the non-depleted state; no significant differences were observed between mouth rinses. A mouth rinse segment interaction (p=0.028) was observed for heart rate in the last 6k for the CHO mouth rinse condition, indicating a possible increase in effort over the last segment of the time trial. CONCLUSION: CHO mouth rinse may be a valuable tool for performance enhancement in suboptimal nutrition states. Further, the results supported current knowledge regarding performance in depleted and non-depleted glycogen states.

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THE INFLUENCE OF AN AMARANTH-BASED BEVERAGE ON CYCLING PERFORMANCE: A PILOT STUDY

Biotecnia ◽

10.18633/biotecnia.v20i2.597 ◽

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 ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Average Power ◽

Time Trial ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Caloric Content ◽

Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Exercise Tests ◽

Sports Beverage ◽

Trial Performance

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.

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The Effect of Crank Arm Length on Cycling Economy and Performance in Triathlon

Journal of Health, Sports, and Kinesiology - JOHSK ◽

10.47544/johsk.2021.2.2.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 4-7

Author(s):

Boram Lim ◽

John Mercer

Keyword(s):

Time Trial ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Important Indicator ◽

Cycling Time Trial ◽

Rate Of Oxygen Consumption ◽

Biomechanical Responses ◽

Physiological Demands ◽

And Performance ◽

Selection Of ◽

Trial Performance

Given the nature of a triathlon race, the cycling distance is typically much longer than swimming and running across race distances from sprint to Ironman. Besides, triathletes should try to not only maintain a certain level of cycling power but also consider cycling economy to make a better performance in both the cycling portion and the overall race (Bonacci et al., 2013; Sleivert & Rowland, 1996; Swinnen et al., 2018). The cycling economy is an important indicator to predict cycling performance in terms of time to complete a certain distance. Both cycling economy and performance are determined by the interaction between mechanical output and physiological input (Barratt et al., 2016; Korff et al., 2007; Sunde et al., 2010). Theoretically, improving cycling economy elicits a better cycling time trial performance and/or less physiological demands (e.g., rate of oxygen consumption: V̇O2, heart rate) to complete at a given distance. The crank arm length (CAL) is one of the important factors among many variables that affect the economy and performance in cycling (McDaniel et al., 2002). Therefore, the appropriate selection of CAL may play a key role in improving the cycling portion of the race and entire triathlon performance. The purpose of this review is to identify the effects of acute changing CAL on physiological and biomechanical responses during cycling.

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