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Jones AM. The fourth dimension: physiological resilience as an independent determinant of endurance exercise performance. J Physiol 2024; 602:4113-4128. [PMID: 37606604 DOI: 10.1113/jp284205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endurance exercise performance is known to be closely associated with the three physiological pillars of maximal O2 uptake (V ̇ O 2 max $\dot{V}_{{\rm O}_{2}{\rm max}}$ ), economy or efficiency during submaximal exercise, and the fractional utilisation ofV ̇ O 2 max $\dot{V}_{{\rm O}_{2}{\rm max}}$ (linked to metabolic/lactate threshold phenomena). However, while 'start line' values of these variables are collectively useful in predicting performance in endurance events such as the marathon, it is not widely appreciated that these variables are not static but are prone to significant deterioration as fatiguing endurance exercise proceeds. For example, the 'critical power' (CP), which is a composite of the highest achievable steady-state oxidative metabolic rate and efficiency (O2 cost per watt), may fall by an average of 10% following 2 h of heavy intensity cycle exercise. Even more striking is that the extent of this deterioration displays appreciable inter-individual variability, with changes in CP ranging from <1% to ∼32%. The mechanistic basis for such differences in fatigue resistance or 'physiological resilience' are not resolved. However, resilience may be important in explaining superlative endurance performance and it has implications for the physiological evaluation of athletes and the design of interventions to enhance performance. This article presents new information concerning the dynamic plasticity of the three 'traditional' physiological variables and argues that physiological resilience should be considered as an additional component, or fourth dimension, in models of endurance exercise performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Jones
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, UK
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Voet JG, Lamberts RP, Viribay A, de Koning JJ, van Erp T. Durability and Underlying Physiological Factors: How Do They Change Throughout a Cycling Season in Semiprofessional Cyclists? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024; 19:809-819. [PMID: 38871342 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate how cycling time-trial (TT) performance changes over a cycling season, both in a "fresh" state and in a "fatigued" state (durability). Additionally, the aim was to explore whether these changes are related to changes in underlying physiological factors such as gross efficiency, energy expenditure (EE), and substrate oxidation (fat oxidation [FatOx] and carbohydrate oxidation [CarbOx]). METHODS Sixteen male semiprofessional cyclists visited the laboratory on 3 occasions during a cycling season (PRE, START, and IN) and underwent a performance test in both fresh and fatigued states (after 38.1 [4.9] kJ/kg), containing a submaximal warm-up for the measurement of gross efficiency, EE, FatOx, and CarbOx and a maximal TT of 1 (TT1min) and 10 minutes (TT10min). Results were compared across states (fresh vs fatigued) and periods (PRE, START, and IN). RESULTS The average power output (PO) in TT1min decreased (P < .05) from fresh to fatigued state across all observed periods, whereas there was no change in the PO in TT10min. Over the course of the season, the PO in TT1min in the fatigued state improved more compared with the PO in TT1min in the fresh state. Furthermore, while EE did not significantly change, there was an increase in FatOx and a decrease in CarbOx toward the fatigued state. These changes diminished during the cycling season (IN), indicating a greater contribution of CarbOx in the fatigued state. CONCLUSIONS TT1min performance is more sensitive to fatigue compared with TT10min. Also, during a cycling season, durability improves more when compared with fresh maximal POs, which is also observed in the changes in substrate oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens G Voet
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert P Lamberts
- Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy (MSET), Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Aitor Viribay
- Physiology, Nutrition and Sport, Glut4Science, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Jos J de Koning
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Teun van Erp
- Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy (MSET), Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Hamilton K, Kilding AE, Plews DJ, Mildenhall MJ, Waldron M, Charoensap T, Cox TH, Brick MJ, Leigh WB, Maunder E. Durability of the moderate-to-heavy-intensity transition is related to the effects of prolonged exercise on severe-intensity performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:2427-2438. [PMID: 38546844 PMCID: PMC11322397 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Power output at the moderate-to-heavy-intensity transition decreases during prolonged exercise, and resilience to this has been termed 'durability'. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between durability and the effect of prolonged exercise on severe-intensity performance, and explore intramuscular correlates of durability. METHODS On separate days, 13 well-trained cyclists and triathletes (V̇O2peak, 57.3 ± 4.8 mL kg-1 min-1; training volume, 12 ± 2.1 h week-1) undertook an incremental test and 5-min time trial (TT) to determine power output at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and severe-intensity performance, with and without 150-min of prior moderate-intensity cycling. A single resting vastus lateralis microbiopsy was obtained. RESULTS Prolonged exercise reduced power output at VT1 (211 ± 40 vs. 198 ± 39 W, ∆ -13 ± 16 W, ∆ -6 ± 7%, P = 0.013) and 5-min TT performance (333 ± 75 vs. 302 ± 63 W, ∆ -31 ± 41 W, ∆ -9 ± 10%, P = 0.017). The reduction in 5-min TT performance was significantly associated with durability of VT1 (rs = 0.719, P = 0.007). Durability of VT1 was not related to vastus lateralis carnosine content, citrate synthase activity, or complex I activity (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION These data provide the first direct support that durability of the moderate-to-heavy-intensity transition is an important performance parameter, as more durable athletes exhibited smaller reductions in 5-min TT performance following prolonged exercise. We did not find relationships between durability and vastus lateralis carnosine content, citrate synthase activity, or complex I activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hamilton
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew E Kilding
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Daniel J Plews
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Mark Waldron
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Thanchanok Charoensap
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tobias H Cox
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matthew J Brick
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Orthosports North Harbour, AUT Millennium, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Warren B Leigh
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Orthosports North Harbour, AUT Millennium, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ed Maunder
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Ørtenblad N, Zachariassen M, Nielsen J, Gejl KD. Substrate utilization and durability during prolonged intermittent exercise in elite road cyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:2193-2205. [PMID: 38441690 PMCID: PMC11199313 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05437-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the effects of prolonged intermittent cycling exercise on peak power output (PPO) and 6-min time-trial (6 min-TT) performance in elite and professional road cyclists. Moreover, the study aimed to determine whether changes in performance in the fatigued state could be predicted from substrate utilization during exercise and laboratory measures obtained in a fresh state. METHODS Twelve cyclists (age: 23 years [21;25]; body mass: 71.5 kg [66.7;76.8]; height: 181 cm [178;185]; V ˙ O2peak: 73.6 ml kg-1 min-1 [71.2;76.0]) completed a graded submaximal cycling test to determine lactate threshold (LT1), gross efficiency (GE), and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) as well as power output during a maximal 6 min-TT (MPO6 min) in a fresh condition. On a separate day, the cyclists completed a 4-h intermittent cycling protocol with a high CHO intake (100 g h-1). Substrate utilization and PPO was measured hourly during the protocol, which was followed by another 6 min-TT. RESULTS MPO6 min and PPO was reduced by 10% [4;15] and 6% [0;6], respectively, after the cycling protocol. These reductions were accompanied by reductions in the anaerobic energy contribution and V ˙ O2peak, whereas the average V ˙ O2 during the 6 min-TT was unchanged. Correlation analyses showed no strong associations between reductions in MPO6 min and PPO and laboratory measures (i.e., LT1, GE, MFO, V ˙ O2peak) obtained in the fresh condition. Additionally, fat oxidation rates during the cycling protocol were not related to changes in neither PPO nor MPO6 min. CONCLUSION PPO and MPO6 min were reduced following prolonged intermittent cycling, but the magnitude of these reductions could not be predicted from laboratory measures obtained in the fresh condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Ørtenblad
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Magnus Zachariassen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Joachim Nielsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Kasper Degn Gejl
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
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Stöggl TL, Strepp T, Wiesinger HP, Haller N. A training goal-oriented categorization model of high-intensity interval training. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1414307. [PMID: 38957216 PMCID: PMC11218030 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1414307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
There are various categorization models of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the literature that need to be more consistent in definition, terminology, and concept completeness. In this review, we present a training goal-oriented categorization model of HIIT, aiming to find the best possible consensus among the various defined types of HIIT. This categorization concludes with six different types of HIIT derived from the literature, based on the interaction of interval duration, interval intensity and interval:recovery ratio. We discuss the science behind the defined types of HIIT and shed light on the possible effects of the various types of HIIT on aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular systems and possible transfer effects into competition performance. We highlight various research gaps, discrepancies in findings and not yet proved know-how based on a lack of randomized controlled training studies, especially in well-trained to elite athlete cohorts. Our HIIT "toolbox" approach is designed to guide goal-oriented training. It is intended to lay the groundwork for future systematic reviews and serves as foundation for meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, Thalgau, Austria
| | - Tilmann Strepp
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Wiesinger
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of General Practice, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nils Haller
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Almquist NW, Hansen J, Rønnestad BR. Development of Cycling Performance Variables and Durability in Female and Male National Team Cyclists: From Junior to Senior. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:2053-2063. [PMID: 37259247 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the development of power profiles and performance-related measures from the junior level (<19 yr) via U23 (19-23 yr) to senior level (>23 yr) in 19 female and 100 male Norwegian national team cyclists. METHODS A total of 285 tests were performed in a 3-d laboratory-standardized testing regime. The tests included power profiles with shorter duration (6-60 s) and longer durations (12-30 min) together with performance-related measures: critical power (CP), work capacity above CP (W'), power output at 4 and 2 mmol·L -1 [BLa - ] (L 4 and L 2 ), maximal aerobic power (W max ), and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2max ), gross efficiency (GE), and pedaling efficiency. RESULTS Females and males evolve similarly when maturing from junior via U23 to senior categories (all P > 0.07), except for V̇O 2max , which increased in females (but not males) from junior to senior level (534 ± 436 mL·min -1 , P = 0.013). In general, only performances of longer durations improved with age (12 and 30 min, P = 0.028 and P = 0.042, respectively). Performance-related measures like W max , V̇O 2max , CP, L 4 , L 2 , and pedaling efficiency in the fresh state improved with age (all P ≤ 0.025). Importantly, performance in the semifatigued state during a 5-min maximal test was also improved with age ( P = 0.045) despite a higher external energy expenditure before the test ( P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Junior cyclists show highly developed sprint abilities, and the primary improvements of absolute power outputs and performance-related measures are seen for durations >60 s when maturing to U23 and senior categories. However, the durability, i.e., the capacity to maintain performance in a semifatigued state, is improved with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joar Hansen
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, NORWAY
| | - Bent R Rønnestad
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, NORWAY
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Sperlich B, Matzka M, Holmberg HC. The proportional distribution of training by elite endurance athletes at different intensities during different phases of the season. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1258585. [PMID: 37964776 PMCID: PMC10641476 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1258585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review examines retrospective analyses of training intensity distribution (TID), i.e., the proportion of training at moderate (Zone 1, Z1), heavy (Z2) and severe (Z3) intensity by elite-to-world-class endurance athletes during different phases of the season. In addition, we discuss potential implications of our findings for research in this field, as well as for training by these athletes. Altogether, we included 175 TIDs, of which 120 quantified exercise intensity on the basis of heart rate and measured time-in-zone or employed variations of the session goal approach, with demarcation of zones of exercise intensity based on physiological parameters. Notably, 49% of the TIDs were single-case studies, predominantly concerning cross-country skiing and/or the biathlon. Eighty-nine TIDs were pyramidal (Z1 > Z2 > Z3), 65 polarized (Z1 > Z3 > Z2) and 8 "threshold" (Z2 > Z1 = Z3). However, these relative numbers varied between sports and the particular phases of the season. In 91% (n = 160) of the TIDs >60% of the endurance exercise was of low intensity. Regardless of the approach to quantification or phase of the season, cyclists and swimmers were found to perform a lower proportion of exercise in Z1 (<72%) and higher proportion in Z2 (>16%) than athletes involved in the triathlon, speed skating, rowing, running, cross-country skiing or biathlon (>80% in Z1 and <12% in Z2 in all these cases). For most of the athletes their proportion of heavy-to-severe exercise was higher during the period of competition than during the preparatory phase, although with considerable variability between sports. In conclusion, the existing literature in this area does not allow general conclusions to be drawn. The methods utilized for quantification vary widely and, moreover, contextual information concerning the mode of exercise, environmental conditions, and biomechanical aspects of the exercise is often lacking. Therefore, we recommend a more comprehensive approach in connection with future investigations on the TIDs of athletes involved in different endurance sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy Sperlich
- Integrative and Experimental Training Science, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Matzka
- Integrative and Experimental Training Science, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum C5, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Prediction of Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Cycle Ergometry in Competitive Cyclists. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010160. [PMID: 36676109 PMCID: PMC9866134 DOI: 10.3390/life13010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Models for predicting maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in average adults might not be suitable for athletes, especially for competitive cyclists who can have significantly higher VO2max than normally active people. The aim of this study was to develop a clinically applicable equation for predicting VO2max during cycle ergometry in competitive cyclists and to compare its accuracy to the traditional American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) equation. Maximal cycle ergometry tests were performed in 496 male and 84 female competitive cyclists. Six predictors were initially used to model the prediction equation (power output, body weight, body height, fat mass, fat-free mass and age). Power output and body weight were the most important parameters in the model predicting VO2max. Three new equations were derived: for male (VO2max = 0.10 × PO - 0.60 × BW + 64.21), female cyclists (0.13 × PO - 0.83 × BW + 64.02) and the non-gender-specific formula (0.12 × PO - 0.65 × BW + 59.78). The ACSM underestimated VO2max in men by 7.32 mL/min/kg (11.54%), in women by 8.24 mL/min/kg (15.04%) and in all participants by 7.45 mL/min/kg (11.99%), compared to the new equation that underestimated VO2max in men by 0.12 mL/min/kg (0.19%) and in all participants by 0.65 mL/min/kg (1.04%). In female cyclists, the new equation had no relative bias. We recommend that medicine and sports practitioners adapt our proposed equations when working with competitive cyclists. Our findings demonstrate the need to evaluate prediction models for other athletes with a special focus on disciplines that demand high aerobic capacity.
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Matomäki P, Heinonen OJ, Nummela A, Laukkanen J, Auvinen EP, Pirkola L, Kyröläinen H. Durability is improved by both low and high intensity endurance training. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1128111. [PMID: 36875044 PMCID: PMC9977827 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1128111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This is one of the first intervention studies to examine how low- (LIT) and high-intensity endurance training (HIT) affect durability, defined as 'time of onset and magnitude of deterioration in physiological-profiling characteristics over time during prolonged exercise'. Methods: Sedentary and recreationally active men (n = 16) and women (n = 19) completed either LIT (average weekly training time 6.8 ± 0.7 h) or HIT (1.6 ± 0.2 h) cycling for 10 weeks. Durability was analyzed before and after the training period from three factors during 3-h cycling at 48% of pretraining maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 1) by the magnitude and 2) onset of drifts (i.e. gradual change in energy expenditure, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, ventilation, left ventricular ejection time, and stroke volume), 3) by the 'physiological strain', defined to be the absolute responses of heart rate and its variability, lactate, and rate of perceived exertion. Results: When all three factors were averaged the durability was improved similarly (time x group p = 0.42) in both groups (LIT: p = 0.03, g = 0.49; HIT: p = 0.01, g = 0.62). In the LIT group, magnitude of average of drifts and their onset did not reach statistically significance level of p < 0.05 (magnitude: 7.7 ± 6.8% vs. 6.3 ± 6.0%, p = 0.09, g = 0.27; onset: 106 ± 57 min vs. 131 ± 59 min, p = 0.08, g = 0.58), while averaged physiological strain improved (p = 0.01, g = 0.60). In HIT, both magnitude and onset decreased (magnitude: 8.8 ± 7.9% vs. 5.4 ± 6.7%, p = 0.03, g = 0.49; onset: 108 ± 54 min vs. 137 ± 57 min, p = 0.03, g = 0.61), and physiological strain improved (p = 0.005, g = 0.78). VO2max increased only after HIT (time x group p < 0.001, g = 1.51). Conclusion: Durability improved similarly by both LIT and HIT based on reduced physiological drifts, their postponed onsets, and changes in physiological strain. Despite durability enhanced among untrained people, a 10-week intervention did not alter drifts and their onsets in a large amount, even though it attenuated physiological strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pekka Matomäki
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Paavo Nurmi Centre & Unit for Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli J Heinonen
- Paavo Nurmi Centre & Unit for Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ari Nummela
- Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport KIHU, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jari Laukkanen
- Central Finland Healthcare District, Department of Medicine, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eero-Pekka Auvinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Leena Pirkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heikki Kyröläinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Influence of Torque and Cadence on Power Output Production in Cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:27-36. [PMID: 36470252 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE No information is available on the torque/cadence relationship in road cyclists. We aimed to establish whether this relationship differs between cyclists of different performance levels or team roles. METHODS Mean maximal power (MMP) output data from 177 riders were obtained from 2012 to 2021 from training and competitions. Cyclists were categorized according to their performance level (world-tour [WT, n = 68], procontinental [PC, n = 63], or under 23 [U23, n = 46]) and team role (time trialists [n = 12], all-rounders [n = 94], climbers [n = 64], or team leaders [n = 7]). RESULTS A significant interaction effect was found for absolute and relative MMP (P < .001), with higher values in PC than WT for short (5-60 s) efforts and the opposite trend for longer durations. MMP was also greater in PC than in U23 for short efforts (30-60 s), with WT and PC attaining higher MMP than U23 for longer bouts (5-60 min). A significant interaction effect was found for cadence (P = .007, but with no post hoc differences) and absolute (P = .010) and relative torque (P = .002), with PC and WT showing significantly higher torque (all P < .05) than U23 for 5- to 60-minute efforts, yet with no differences between the former 2 performance levels. No interaction effect between team roles was found for cadence (P = .185) or relative torque (P = .559), but a significant interaction effect was found for absolute torque (P < .001), with all-rounders attaining significantly higher values than climbers for 5-second to 5-minute efforts. CONCLUSIONS Differences in MMP between cycling performance levels and rider types are dependent on torque rather than cadence, which might support the role of torque development in performance.
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Leo P, Spragg J, Wakefield J, Swart J. Predictors of cycling performance success: Traditional approaches and a novel method to assess performance capacity in U23 road cyclists. J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:52-57. [PMID: 36513568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate predictors of cycling performance in U23 cyclists by comparing traditional approaches to a novel method - the compound score. Thirty male U23 cyclists (N = 30, age 20.1 ± 1.1 yrs, body mass 69.0 ± 6.9 kg, height 182.6 ± 6.2 cm, V̇O2max 73.8 ± 2.5 mL·kg-1·min-1) participated in this study. DESIGN Power output information was derived from laboratory and field-testing during pre-season and mean maximal power outputs (MMP) from racing season. Absolute and relative 5-min MMP, 5-min MMP after 2000 kJ (MMP2000 kJ), allometric scaling and the compound score were compared to the race score and podium (top 3) performance during a competitive season. METHODS Positive and negative predictive values were calculated for all significant performance variables for the likelihood of a podium performance. RESULTS The absolute 5-min MMP of the field test revealed the highest negative predictive capacity (82.4%, p = 0.012) for a podium performance. The compound score of the 5-min MMP2000 kJ demonstrated the highest positive and average predictive capacity (83.3%, 78.0%, p = 0.007 - respectively). The multi-linear regression analysis revealed a significant predictive capacity between performance variables and the race score (R2 = 0.55, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Collectively the results of the present study reveal that the compound score, alongside absolute power, was able to predict the highest positive and average likelihood for a podium performance. These findings can help to better understand performance capacity from field data to predict future cycling success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Leo
- University Innsbruck, Department Sport Science, Austria.
| | - James Spragg
- University of Cape Town HPALS Research Center, South Africa
| | - John Wakefield
- UAE Team Emirates, United Arab Emirates; Science to Sport, South Africa
| | - Jeroen Swart
- University of Cape Town HPALS Research Center, South Africa; UAE Team Emirates, United Arab Emirates; Science to Sport, South Africa
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12
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Durability in Professional Cyclists: A Field Study. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:99-103. [PMID: 36521188 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess durability in professional cyclists, as well as potential associated indicators. METHODS Twelve male professional cyclists participated in the study (age: 26 [5] y, VO2max: 83.0 [3.6] mL·kg-1·min-1). They performed a 20-minute time trial (TT) on 2 different sessions separated by a 48-hour period: (1) with no previous fatigue (TTFresh) and (2) immediately after a long submaximal ride (approximately 4 h, 40 kJ/kg) (TTFatigue). We then assessed the decay (in percentage) in mean power output (PO) from TTFresh to TTFatigue and its association with different laboratory-based endurance indicators (ventilatory threshold, peak PO, and VO2max) determined through a previous maximal incremental cycling test, as well as with training loads during the 4 weeks preceding the TTs. RESULTS While no differences were noted in the average heart rate (177 [7] vs 176 [6] beats·min-1, P = .118), there was a significant decay in PO between TTFresh and TTFatigue (386 [29] W vs 375 [28] W [-2.9%], respectively; P = .007), albeit with signs of interindividual variability (range = -8.5% to 1.1%; coefficient of variation = 105%). No significant associations were found between the PO decay and any of the analyzed indicators (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Performance is significantly impaired after a certain amount of work completed (approximately 40 kJ·kg-1) in professional cyclists, and the magnitude of this impairment seems to be not related to "traditional" laboratory-based endurance indicators or to markers of training load. These findings might support the need for specifically assessing durability in cyclists and confirming potential determinants of this parameter.
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Gallo G, Mateo‐March M, Gotti D, Faelli E, Ruggeri P, Codella R, Filipas L. How do world class top 5 Giro d'Italia finishers train? A qualitative multiple case study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:1738-1746. [PMID: 35686390 PMCID: PMC9796663 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe individual training strategies in preparation to Giro d'Italia of three world class road cyclists who achieved a top 5 in the general classification. Day-to-day power meter training and racing data of three road cyclists (age: 26, 27, 25 years; relative maximum oxygen consumption: 81, 82, 80 ml·min-1 ·kg-1 ; relative 20-min record power output: 6.6, 6.6, 6.4 W kg-1 ) of the 22 weeks (December-May) leading up to the top 5 in Giro d'Italia general classification were retrospectively analyzed. Weekly volume and intensity distribution were considered. Cyclists completed 17, 22, 29 races, trained averagely for 19.7 (7.9), 16.2 (7.0), 14.7 (6.2) hours per week, with a training intensity distribution of 91.3-6.5-2.2, 83.6-10.6-5.8, 86.7-8.9-4.4 in zone 1-zone 2-zone 3 before the Giro d'Italia. Two cyclists spent 55 and 39 days at altitude, one did not attend any altitude camp. Cyclists adopted an overall pyramidal intensity distribution with a relevant increase in high-intensity volume and polarization index in races weeks. Tapering phases seem to be dictated by race schedule instead of literature prescription, with no strength training performed by the three cyclists throughout the entire periodization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gallo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly,Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze MotorieUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Manuel Mateo‐March
- Sport Science DepartmentMiguel Hernández University of ElcheMadridSpain,Faculty of Sport SciencesEuropean University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Daniel Gotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for HealthUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Emanuela Faelli
- Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze MotorieUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly,Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Piero Ruggeri
- Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze MotorieUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly,Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for HealthUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly,Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedicaMilanItaly
| | - Luca Filipas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for HealthUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly,Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedicaMilanItaly
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Leo P, Simon D, Hovorka M, Lawley J, Mujika I. Elite versus non-elite cyclist - Stepping up to the international/elite ranks from U23 cycling. J Sports Sci 2022; 40:1874-1884. [PMID: 36040014 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2117394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the physiological, performance and training characteristics of U23 cyclists and assessed the requirements of stepping up to the elite/international ranks. Twenty highly trained U23 cyclists (age, 22.1 ± 0.8 years; body mass, 69.1 ± 6.8 kg; VO2max, 76.1 ± 3.9 ml·kg-1·min-1) participated in this study. The cyclists were a posteriori divided into two groups based on whether or not they stepped up to elite/international level cycling (U23ELITE vs. U23NON-ELITE). Physiological, performance and training and racing characteristics were determined and compared between groups. U23ELITE demonstrated higher absolute peak power output (p = .016), 2 min (p = .026) 5 min (p = .042) and 12 min (p ≤ .001) power output as well as higher absolute critical power (p = .002). Further, U23ELITE recorded more accumulated hours (p ≤ .001), covered distance (p ≤ .001), climbing metres (p ≤ .001), total sessions (p ≤ .001), total work (p ≤ .001) and scored more UCI points (p ≤ .001). These findings indicate that U23ELITE substantially differed from U23NON-ELITE regarding physiological, performance and training and racing characteristics derived from laboratory and field. These variables should be considered by practitioners supporting young cyclists throughout their development towards the elite/international ranks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Leo
- Division of Performance Physiology & Prevention, Department Sports Science, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dieter Simon
- Training and Sports Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Matthias Hovorka
- Training and Sports Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria.,Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Austria.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Justin Lawley
- Division of Performance Physiology & Prevention, Department Sports Science, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.,Exercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
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Impact of prior accumulated work and intensity on power output in elite/international level road cyclists—a pilot study. GERMAN JOURNAL OF EXERCISE AND SPORT RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12662-022-00818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the intensity of prior accumulated work on the decline in power output in elite/international level road cyclists, comparing the effects of prior continuous moderate intensity versus intermittent high intensity cycling.
Methods
Nine elite/international level road cyclists (age 26.2 ± 4.0 years; body mass: 66.6 ± 5.5 kg; height: 176 ± 0.4 cm) conducted a 12-min field test (12 minfresh) during two consecutive training camps. Participants then performed both a 150-min moderate intensity continuous (MIC) work bout or a 150-min high intensity intermittent (HII) race simulation in randomized order, cross-over design. After each condition a 12-min field test (12 minfatigue) was completed.
Results
Absolute and relative 12 minfresh power output were not significantly different between training camps (p > 0.05). The 12 minfatigue power after HII was significantly lower than 12 minfatigue after MIC (∆ = 14 W; p = 0.014). Participants recorded more percentage time (%Time) in heart rate (HR) zone 3 (∆ = 9.2%; p = 0.003) and power output band between 5.0–7.9 W $$\cdot$$
∙
kg−1 (∆ = 8.9%; p = 0.002) as well as higher total work (∆ = 237 kJ; p ≤ 0.001) during HII.
Conclusion
These findings reveal that the decline in power output is higher after HII compared to MIC cycling work bouts. This suggests that the quantification of total work and intensity should be used in conjunction to predict a distinctive decline in power output. Future research is required to better understand the mechanisms of endurance “durability” in elite/international level road cyclists.
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