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).

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.

The effect of cold ambient temperature and preceding active warm-up on lactate kinetics in female cyclists and triathletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 1043-1051
Author(s):  
Margaret C. Morrissey ◽  
Jacob N. Kisiolek ◽  
Tristan J. Ragland ◽  
Brandon D. Willingham ◽  
Rachael L. Hunt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Cold Temperature ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Lactate Kinetics ◽  
Small Effect Size

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cold ambient temperature on lactate kinetics with and without a preceding warm-up in female cyclists/triathletes. Seven female cyclists/triathletes participated in this study. The randomized, crossover study included 3 experimental visits that comprised the following conditions: (i) thermoneutral temperature (20 °C; NEU); (ii) cold temperature (0 °C) with no active warm-up (CNWU); and (iii) cold temperature (0 °C) with 25-min active warm-up (CWU). During each condition, participants performed a lactate threshold (LT) test followed by a time to exhaustion trial at 120% of the participant’s peak power output (PPO) as determined during prior peak oxygen consumption testing. Power output at LT with CNWU was 10.2% ± 2.6% greater than with NEU, and the effect was considered very likely small (effect size (ES) = 0.59, 95%–99% likelihood). Power output at LT with CNWU was 4.2% ± 5.4% greater than with CWU; however, the effect was likely trivial (ES = 0.25, 75%–95% likelihood). At LT, there were no significant differences between interventions groups in oxygen consumption, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, or rating of perceived exertion. Time to exhaustion at 120% at PPO was 11% longer with CNWU than with CWU (ES = 0.62, respectively), and this effect was likely small. These findings suggest that power output at LT was higher in CNWU compared with NEU. Additionally, time to exhaustion at 120% of PPO was higher in CNWU compared with CWU and no different than NEU; these differences likely result in a small improvement in performance with CNWU versus CWU and NEU.

Exercise slightly above the maximal lactate steady state reduces self-efficacy and increases negative affect

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Graeme Wrightson ◽  
Louis Passfield
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Constant Load ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Maximal Lactate Steady State

Objectives: To examine the effect of exercise at and slightly above the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) on self-efficacy, affect and effort, and their associations with exercise tolerance.Design: Counterbalanced, repeated measures designMethod: Participants performed two 30‐minute constant‐load cycling exercise at a power output equal to that at MLSS and 10 W above MLSS, immediately followed by a time‐to‐exhaustion test at 80% of their peak power output. Self-efficacy, affect and effort were measured before and after 30 minutes of cycling at and above MLSS.Results: Negative affect and effort higher, and self-efficacy and time to exhaustion were reduced, following cycling at MLSS + 10 W compared to cycling at the MLSS. Following exercise at the MLSS self-efficacy, affect and effort were all associated with subsequent time-to exhaustion. However, following exercise at MLSS + 10 W, only affect was associated with time-to exhaustion. Conclusions: Self efficacy, affect and effort are profoundly affected by physiological state, highlighting the influence of somatic states on perceptions and emotions during exercise. The affective response to exercise appears to be associated with exercise tolerance, indicating that the emotional, as well as physiological, responses should be considered when prescribing exercise training.

scholarly journals Influence of COVID-19 Restrictions on Training and Physiological Characteristics in U23 Elite Cyclists

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Peter Leo ◽  
Iñigo Mujika ◽  
Justin Lawley
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Ventilatory Threshold ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Physiological Performance ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Elite Cyclists

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated mobility restrictions caused many athletes to adjust or reduce their usual training load. The aim of this study was to investigate how the COVID-19 restrictions affected training and performance physiology measures in U23 elite cyclists. METHODS: Twelve U23 elite cyclists (n = 12) participated in this study (mean ± SD: Age 21.2 ± 1.2 years; height 182.9 ± 4.7 cm; body mass 71.4 ± 6.5 kg). Training characteristics were assessed between 30 days pre, during, and post COVID-19 restrictions, respectively. The physiological assessment in the laboratory was 30 days pre and post COVID-19 restrictions and included maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), peak power output for sprint (SprintPmax), and ramp incremental graded exercise (GXTPmax), as well as power output at ventilatory threshold (VT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP). RESULTS: Training load characteristics before, during, and after the lockdown remained statistically unchanged (p > 0.05) despite large effects (>0.8) with mean reductions of 4.7 to 25.0% during COVID-19 restrictions. There were no significant differences in maximal and submaximal power outputs, as well as relative and absolute V̇O2max between pre and post COVID-19 restrictions (p > 0.05) with small to moderate effects. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that COVID-19 restrictions did not negatively affect training characteristics and physiological performance measures in U23 elite cyclists for a period of <30 days. In contrast with recent reports on professional cyclists and other elite level athletes, these findings reveal that as long as athletes are able to maintain and/or slightly adapt their training routine, physiological performance variables remain stable.

scholarly journals Physiological Determinants of Peak Power Output in Elite Cyclists

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 638
Author(s):  
Glyn Howatson ◽  
Mehdi Kordi ◽  
Stuart Goodall ◽  
Nicos Haralabidis ◽  
Tejal Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Elite Cyclists

Caffeine effects on VO2max test outcomes investigated by a placebo perceived-as-caffeine design

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cayque Brietzke ◽  
Ricardo Yukio Asano ◽  
Felipe De Russi de Lima ◽  
Fabiano Aparecido Pinheiro ◽  
Franco-Alvarenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Ergogenic Effects ◽  
Vo2max Test ◽  
Test Outcomes

Background: Ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) ingestion have been observed in different cycling exercise modes, and have been associated with alterations in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). However, there has been little investigation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) test outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to verify whether CAF may reduce RPE, thereby improving maximal incremental test (MIT) outcomes such as VO2MAX, time to exhaustion and peak power output (WPEAK). Methods: Nine healthy individuals performed three MITs (25 W/min until exhaustion) in a random, counterbalanced fashion after ingestion of CAF, placebo perceived as caffeine (PLA), and no supplementation (baseline control). VO2 was measured throughout the test, while RPE was rated according to overall and leg effort sensations. The power output corresponding to submaximal (RPE = 14 according to the 6–20 Borg scale) and maximal RPE was recorded for both overall (O-RPE14 and O-RPEMAX) and leg RPE (L-RPE14 and L-RPEMAX). Results: VO2MAX did not change significantly between MITs; however, CAF and PLA increased time to exhaustion (↑ ∼18.7% and ∼17.1%, respectively; p < .05) and WPEAK (↑ ∼13.0% and ∼11.8%, respectively; p < .05) when compared with control. When compared with control, CAF ingestion reduced submaximal and maximal overall and leg RPEs, the effect being greater in maximal (likely beneficial in O-RPEMAX and L-RPEMAX) than submaximal RPE (possibly beneficial in O-RPE14 and L-RPE14). Similar results were found when participants ingested PLA. Conclusions: Compared with control, CAF and PLA improved MIT performance outcomes such as time to exhaustion and WPEAK, without altering VO2MAX values. CAF effects were attributed to placebo.

Indirect determination of maximal O2 consumption in man

1965 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1070-1073 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Margaria ◽  
P. Aghemo ◽  
E. Rovelli
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
O2 Consumption ◽  
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Indirect Determination ◽  
Submaximal Work

A nomogram is described for obtaining the value of maximum oxygen consumption per kilogram of body weight from the heart rate values observed at two submaximal work loads. The exercise consists in stepping up and down a 30- to 40-cm bench at a frequency dictated by a metronome. This procedure can be applied to all classes of subjects; the variability of the data obtained is within ±7% with those directly determined. maximum muscle power; aerobic fitness test for sport Submitted on January 27, 1965

scholarly journals Carnitine metabolism and maximum oxygen consumption in young athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 209-214
Author(s):  
N. V. Rylova ◽  
A. V. Zholinsky ◽  
A. A. Biktimirova
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Physical Exertion ◽  
Free Carnitine ◽  
Aerobic Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Absolute Maximum ◽  
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Young Athletes

Purpose. To assess physical performance of children doing sports on the basis of carnitine exchange indicators.Characteristics of children and research methods. The study involved 94 young athletes and 37 schoolchildren (Control Group). The researchers studied such indicators as free and bound carnitine, maximum oxygen consumption and body composition.Results. The study noted positive reliable correlations between the level of absolute maximum oxygen consumption and the content of total and free carnitine in the blood. The data obtained may indicate greater aerobic performance in athletes with a high level of free carnitine in the blood, since its sufficient amount provides adequate cellular energy exchange.Conclusion. Thus, studying the state of carnitine indicators and body composition, it is possible to predict physical performance of children and to prevent deterioration of health in children during intense physical exertion.

scholarly journals The Development of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness with Reference to Youth Athletes

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Armstrong ◽  
Jo Welsman
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic ◽  
Ratio Scaling

Abstract Purpose To challenge current conventions in paediatric sport science and use data from recent longitudinal studies to elucidate the development of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, with reference to youth athletes. Methods (1) To critically review the traditional practice of ratio scaling physiological variables with body mass and, (2) to use multiplicative allometric models of longitudinal data, founded on 1053 (550 from boys) determinations of 10–17-year-olds’ peak oxygen uptake ($$ {{\text{V}}\text{O}}_{2} $$ VO 2 ) and 763 (405 from boys) determinations of 11–17-year-olds’ peak power output (PP) and mean power output (MP), to investigate the development of aerobic and anaerobic fitness in youth. Results The statistical assumptions underpinning ratio scaling of physiological variables in youth are seldom met. Multiplicative allometric modelling of longitudinal data has demonstrated that fat free mass (FFM) acting as a surrogate for active muscle mass, is the most powerful morphological influence on PP, MP, and peak $$ {{\text{V}}\text{O}}_{2} $$ VO 2 . With FFM appropriately controlled for, age effects remain significant but additional, independent effects of maturity status on anaerobic and aerobic fitness are negated. Conclusions Ratio scaling of physiological variables with body mass is fallacious, confounds interpretation of the development of anaerobic and aerobic fitness, and misleads fitness comparisons within and across youth sports. Rigorous evaluation of the development of anaerobic and aerobic fitness in youth requires longitudinal analyses of sex-specific, concurrent changes in age- and maturation-driven morphological covariates. Age and maturation-driven changes in FFM are essential considerations when evaluating the physiological development of youth athletes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document