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.

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.

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 Physiological Responses and Predictors of Performance in a Simulated Competitive Ski Mountaineering Race

2021 ◽  
pp. 250-257
Author(s):  
Michael Lasshofer ◽  
John Seifert ◽  
Anna-Maria Wörndle ◽  
Thomas Stöggl
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Test ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Ventilatory Threshold ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Ramp Test ◽  
The Past ◽  
Treadmill Speed ◽  
And Performance

Competitive ski mountaineering (SKIMO) has achieved great popularity within the past years. However, knowledge about the predictors of performance and physiological response to SKIMO racing is limited. Therefore, 21 male SKIMO athletes split into two performance groups (elite: VO2max 71.2 ± 6.8 ml· min-1· kg-1 vs. sub-elite: 62.5 ± 4.7 ml· min-1· kg-1) were tested and analysed during a vertical SKIMO race simulation (523 m elevation gain) and in a laboratory SKIMO specific ramp test. In both cases, oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate and cycle characteristics were measured. During the race simulation, the elite athletes were approximately 5 min faster compared with the sub-elite (27:15 ± 1:16 min; 32:31 ± 2:13 min; p < 0.001). VO2 was higher for elite athletes during the race simulation (p = 0.046) and in the laboratory test at ventilatory threshold 2 (p = 0.005) and at maximum VO2 (p = 0.003). Laboratory maximum power output is displayed as treadmill speed and was higher for elite than sub-elite athletes (7.4 ± 0.3 km h-1; 6.6 ± 0.3 km h-1; p < 0.001). Lactate values were higher in the laboratory maximum ramp test than in the race simulation (p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient between race time and performance parameters was highest for velocity and VO2 related parameters during the laboratory test (r > 0.6). Elite athletes showed their superiority in the race simulation as well as during the maximum ramp test. While HR analysis revealed a similar strain to both cohorts in both tests, the superiority can be explainable by higher VO2 and power output. To further push the performance of SKIMO athletes, the development of named factors like power output at maximum and ventilatory threshold 2 seems crucial.

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

Active and passive respiratory mechanics and control of breathing in kittens

1983 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Zin ◽  
D. Marlot ◽  
M. Bonora ◽  
N. M. Siafakas ◽  
H. Gautier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Time To Peak ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
And Performance

The effects of heating and cooling on the electrically evoked mechanical and contractile properties of the triceps surae in relation to the maximal dynamic performance of the leg muscles during cycling and vertical jumping have been examined in five healthy male subjects. A mean rise of 3.1 degrees C in muscle temperature (Tm) was associated with a decrease in time to peak tension (TPT) and half-relaxation time (1/2RT) but was without effect on twitch (Pto) and tetanic tension at 20 Hz (Po20) and 40 Hz (Po40) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Reducing Tm by 8.4 degrees C had the opposite effect on TPT and 1/2RT and produced a fall in Pto, Po40, and MVC. The peak power output during cycling (W1) and jumping (W) was linearly related to Tm as well as negatively associated with TPT. The best single guide to W and W1 was given by a ratio of MVC to TPT: W (W) = 626.5 + 79.04 (MVC/TPT)(N/ms; r = +0.82) and W1 (W) = 1,342 + 84.9 (MVC/TPT)(N/ms; r = +0.87). The results underline the importance of the contractile and force generating capacity of human muscle in determining maximal power output and performance during exercise of a few seconds duration.

Combined Effect of Oxygen Enrichment and Dual Fueling on the Performance Behavior of a CI Engine Fueled With Pyro Oil–Diesel Blend as Fuel

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
SenthilKumar Masimalai ◽  
Sasikumar Nandagopal
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Diesel Oil ◽  
Oxygen Enrichment ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Effect Of Oxygen ◽  
Dual Fueling

This paper aims at studying the combined effect of oxygen enrichment and dual fueling on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a mono cylinder diesel engine using a blend of cashew nut shell pyro oil (CSO) and conventional diesel oil (called BD—base diesel) as fuel. Experiments were initially conducted using 100% BD as fuel at variable power output conditions. Subsequently, experiments were repeated with CSO40D60 (blend of 40% of CSO and 60% of BD by volume) at different power outputs. In the third phase, the engine was run with oxygen enrichment of 24% by volume in the intake air using CSO40D60 as fuel. Finally, the engine was operated in dual fuel mode of operation with the oxygen concentrations of 24% using CSO40D60 as pilot fuel and ethanol as the primary inducted fuel. Ethanol induction was made up to the maximum possible limit until misfire or knock. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was found as 25% with CSO40D60 29.5% and 30.5% with BD at the rated power output of 3.7 kW. The smoke number was noted as 55 filter smoke number (FSN) and 40 FSN, respectively, with CSO40D60 and BD. Hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were found to be higher with CSO40D60 as compared to BD. Ignition delay (ID) and combustion duration (CD) were also noted to be higher with CSO40D60 at all power outputs. Combined oxygen enrichment and ethanol induction sufficiently increased the BTE using CSO40D60 as fuel at all power outputs. At peak power output, the BTE was noted as 34.5%. The lowest smoke number of 36 FSN was found for 24% of oxygen with 34.3% of ethanol energy share at peak power output with CSO40D60 as fuel, whereas it was 40 FSN with BD and 55 FSN with CSO40D60 for 21% of oxygen. Significant improvement in heat release rates was observed by combining ethanol induction and oxygen enrichment techniques using CSO40D60 as fuel. Overall, it is concluded that by combining oxygen enrichment and ethanol induction superior performance and reduced emissions can be achieved at all power outputs using CSO40D60 as fuel.

scholarly journals Reliability of Power Settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer After 60 Hours of Use

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma K. Zadow ◽  
Cecilia M. Kitic ◽  
Sam S.X. Wu ◽  
James W. Fell
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Performance Assessments ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Small Ratio ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Laboratory Training

Purpose: To assess the reliability of power-output measurements of a Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer (KICKR) on 2 separate occasions separated by 14 mo of regular use (∼1 h/wk). Methods: Using the KICKR to set power outputs, powers of 100–600 W in increments of 50 W were assessed at cadences of 80, 90, and 100 rpm that were controlled and validated by a dynamic calibration rig. Results: A small ratio bias of 1.002 (95% limits of agreement [LoA] 0.992–1.011) was observed over 100–600 W at 80–100 rpm between trials 1 and 2. Similar ratio biases with acceptable limits of agreement were observed at 80 rpm (1.003 [95% LoA 0.987–1.018]), 90 rpm (1.000 [0.996–1.005]), and 100 rpm (1.002 [0.997–1.007]). The intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% confidence interval (CI) for mean power between trials was 1.00 (95% CI 1.00–1.00) with a typical error (TE) of 3.1 W and 1.6% observed between trials 1 and 2. Conclusion: When assessed at 2 separate time points 14 mo apart, the KICKR has acceptable reliability for combined power outputs of 100–600 W at 80–100 rpm, reporting overall small ratio biases with acceptable LoA and low TE. Coaches and sport scientists should feel confident in the power output measured by the KICKR over an extended period of time when performing laboratory training and performance assessments.

scholarly journals Intensity matters: effects of cadence and power output on corticospinal excitability during arm cycling are phase and muscle dependent

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 2908-2921 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Lockyer ◽  
R. J. Benson ◽  
A. P. Hynes ◽  
L. R. Alcock ◽  
A. J. Spence ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Arm Cycling ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Spinal Excitability

The present study investigated the effects of cadence and power output on corticospinal excitability to the biceps (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) during arm cycling. Supraspinal and spinal excitability were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex and transmastoid electrical stimulation (TMES) of the corticospinal tract, respectively. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by TMS and cervicomedullary motor-evoked potentials (CMEPs) elicited by TMES were recorded at two positions during arm cycling corresponding to mid-elbow flexion and mid-elbow extension (i.e., 6 and 12 o’clock made relative to a clock face, respectively). Arm cycling was performed at combinations of two cadences (60 and 90 rpm) at three relative power outputs (20, 40, and 60% peak power output). At the 6 o’clock position, BB MEPs increased ~11.5% as cadence increased and up to ~57.2% as power output increased ( P < 0.05). In the TB, MEPs increased ~15.2% with cadence ( P = 0.013) but were not affected by power output, while CMEPs increased with cadence (~16.3%) and power output (up to ~19.1%, P < 0.05). At the 12 o’clock position, BB MEPs increased ~26.8% as cadence increased and up to ~96.1% as power output increased ( P < 0.05), while CMEPs decreased ~29.7% with cadence ( P = 0.013) and did not change with power output ( P = 0.851). In contrast, TB MEPs were not different with cadence or power output, while CMEPs increased ~12.8% with cadence and up to ~23.1% with power output ( P < 0.05). These data suggest that the “type” of intensity differentially modulates supraspinal and spinal excitability in a manner that is phase- and muscle dependent. NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is currently little information available on how changes in locomotor intensity influence excitability within the corticospinal pathway. This study investigated the effects of arm cycling intensity (i.e., alterations in cadence and power output) on corticospinal excitability projecting to the biceps and triceps brachii during arm cycling. We demonstrate that corticospinal excitability is modulated differentially by cadence and power output and that these modulations are dependent on the phase and the muscle examined.

Physiological Profile of an Uphill Time Trial in Elite Cyclists

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana B. Peinado ◽  
Nuria Romero-Parra ◽  
Miguel A. Rojo-Tirado ◽  
Rocío Cupeiro ◽  
Javier Butragueño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Elite Cyclists

Context: While a number of studies have researched road-cycling performance, few have attempted to investigate the physiological response in field conditions. Purpose: To describe the physiological and performance profile of an uphill time trial (TT) frequently used in cycling competitions. Methods: Fourteen elite road cyclists (mean ± SD age 25 ± 6 y, height 174 ± 4.2 cm, body mass 64.4 ± 6.1 kg, fat mass 7.48% ± 2.82%) performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine maximal parameters. They then completed a field-based uphill TT in a 9.2-km first-category mountain pass with a 7.1% slope. Oxygen uptake (VO2), power output, heart rate (HR), lactate concentration, and perceived-exertion variables were measured throughout the field-based test. Results: During the uphill TT, mean power output and velocity were 302 ± 7 W (4.2 ± 0.1 W/kg) and 18.7 ± 1.6 km/h, respectively. Mean VO2 and HR were 61.6 ± 2.0 mL · kg−1 · min−1 and 178 ± 2 beats/min, respectively. Values were significantly affected by the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and final kilometers (P < .05). Lactate concentration and perceived exertion were 10.87 ± 1.12 mmol/L and 19.1 ± 0.1, respectively, at the end of the test, being significantly different from baseline measures. Conclusion: The studied uphill TT is performed at 90% of maximum HR and VO2 and 70% of maximum power output. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing cardiorespiratory parameters combined with measures of performance, perceived exertion, and biochemical variables during a field-based uphill TT in elite cyclists.

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