scholarly journals The Inclusion of Sprints in Low-Intensity Sessions During the Transition Period of Elite Cyclists Improves Endurance Performance 6 Weeks Into the Subsequent Preparatory Period

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Madison Taylor ◽  
Nicki Almquist ◽  
Bent Rønnestad ◽  
Arnt Erik Tjønna ◽  
Morten Kristoffersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Preparatory Period ◽  
Elite Cyclists

Purpose: To investigate the effects of including repeated sprints in a weekly low-intensity (LIT) session during a 3-week transition period on cycling performance 6 weeks into the subsequent preparatory period (PREP) in elite cyclists. Methods: Eleven elite male cyclists (age = 22.0 [3.8] y, body mass = 73.0 [5.8] kg, height = 186 [7] cm, maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] = 5469 [384] mL·min−1) reduced their training load by 64% and performed only LIT sessions (CON, n = 6) or included 3 sets of 3 × 30-second maximal sprints in a weekly LIT session (SPR, n = 5) during a 3-week transition period. There was no difference in the reduction in training load during the transition period between groups. Physiological and performance measures were compared between the end of the competitive period and 6 weeks into the PREP. Results: SPR demonstrated a 7.3% (7.2%) improvement in mean power output during a 20-minute all-out test at PREP, which was greater than CON (−1.3% [4.6%]) (P = .048). SPR had a corresponding 7.0% (3.6%) improvement in average VO2 during the 20-minute all-out test, which was larger than the 0.7% (6.0%) change in CON (P = .042). No change in VO2max, gross efficiency, or power output at blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1 from competitive period to PREP occurred in either group. Conclusion: Including sprints in a weekly LIT session during the transition period of elite cyclists provided a performance advantage 6 weeks into the subsequent PREP, which coincided with a higher performance VO2.

scholarly journals Optimizing Interval Training Through Power-Output Variation Within the Work Intervals

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 982-989
Author(s):  
Arthur H. Bossi ◽  
Cristian Mesquida ◽  
Louis Passfield ◽  
Bent R. Rønnestad ◽  
James G. Hopker
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Minute Ventilation ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Constant Intensity ◽  
Varied Intensity

Purpose: Maximal oxygen uptake () is a key determinant of endurance performance. Therefore, devising high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that maximizes stress of the oxygen-transport and -utilization systems may be important to stimulate further adaptation in athletes. The authors compared physiological and perceptual responses elicited by work intervals matched for duration and mean power output but differing in power-output distribution. Methods: Fourteen cyclists ( 69.2 [6.6] mL·kg−1·min−1) completed 3 laboratory visits for a performance assessment and 2 HIIT sessions using either varied-intensity or constant-intensity work intervals. Results: Cyclists spent more time at during HIIT with varied-intensity work intervals (410 [207] vs 286 [162] s, P = .02), but there were no differences between sessions in heart-rate- or perceptual-based training-load metrics (all P ≥ .1). When considering individual work intervals, minute ventilation () was higher in the varied-intensity mode (F = 8.42, P = .01), but not respiratory frequency, tidal volume, blood lactate concentration [La], ratings of perceived exertion, or cadence (all F ≤ 3.50, ≥ .08). Absolute changes (Δ) between HIIT sessions were calculated per work interval, and Δ total oxygen uptake was moderately associated with (r = .36, P = .002). Conclusions: In comparison with an HIIT session with constant-intensity work intervals, well-trained cyclists sustain higher fractions of when work intervals involved power-output variations. This effect is partially mediated by an increased oxygen cost of hyperpnea and not associated with a higher [La], perceived exertion, or training-load metrics.

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.

Superior Physiological Adaptations After a Microcycle of Short Intervals Versus Long Intervals in Cyclists

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Bent R. Rønnestad ◽  
Sjur J. Øfsteng ◽  
Fabio Zambolin ◽  
Truls Raastad ◽  
Daniel Hammarström
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Endurance Performance

Purpose: To compare the effects of a 1-week high-intensity aerobic-training shock microcycle composed of either 5 short-interval sessions (SI; n = 9, 5 series with 12 × 30-s work intervals interspersed with 15-s recovery and 3-min recovery between series) or 5 long-interval sessions (LI; n = 8, 6 series of 5-min work intervals with 2.5-min recovery between series) on indicators of endurance performance in well-trained cyclists. Methods: Before and following 6 days with standardized training loads after the 1-week high-intensity aerobic-training shock microcycle, both groups were tested in physiological determinants of endurance performance. Results: From pretraining to posttraining, SI achieved a larger improvement than LI in maximal oxygen uptake (5.7%; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–10.3; P = .015) and power output at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1 (3.8%; 95% confidence interval, 0.2–7.4; P = .038). There were no group differences in changes of fractional use of maximal oxygen uptake at a workload corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1, gross efficiency, or the 1-minute peak power output from the maximal-oxygen-uptake test. Conclusion: The SI protocol may induce superior changes in indicators of endurance performance compared with the LI protocol, indicating that SI can be a good strategy during a 1-week high-intensity aerobic-training shock microcycle in well-trained cyclists.

Does Upper-Body Compression Improve 3 × 3-Min Double-Poling Sprint Performance?

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy Sperlich ◽  
Dennis-Peter Born ◽  
Christoph Zinner ◽  
Anna Hauser ◽  
Hans-Christer Holmberg
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Saturation Index ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Gases ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Total Blood ◽  
Double Poling

Purpose:To evaluate whether upper-body compression affects power output and selected metabolic, cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and perceptual responses during three 3-min sessions of double-poling (DP) sprint.Method:Ten well-trained male athletes (25 ± 4 y, 180 ± 4 cm, 74.6 ± 3.2 kg) performed such sprints on a DP ski ergometer with and without a long-sleeved compression garment.Result:Mean power output was not affected by such compression (216 ± 25 W in both cases; P = 1.00, effect size [ES] = 0.00), although blood lactate concentration was lowered (P < .05, ES = 0.50–1.02). Blood gases (ES = 0.07–0.50), oxygen uptake (ES = 0.04–0.28), production of carbon dioxide (ES = 0.01–0.46), heart rate (ES = 0.00–0.21), stroke volume (ES = 0.33–0.81), and cardiac output (ES = 0.20–0.91) were also all unaffected by upper-body compression (best P = 1.00). This was also the case for changes in the tissue saturation index (ES = 0.45–1.17) and total blood content of hemoglobin (ES = 0.09–0.85), as well as ratings of perceived exertion (ES = 0.15–0.88; best P = .96).Conclusion:The authors conclude that the performance of well-trained athletes during 3 × 3-min DP sprints will not be enhanced by upper-body compression.

scholarly journals Applicability of Maximal Ergometer Testing and Sprint Performance in Adolescent Endurance and Sprint Trained Swimmers

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Adam J. Pinos ◽  
Elton M. Fernandes ◽  
Eric Viana ◽  
Heather M. Logan-Sprenger ◽  
David J. Bentley
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Trained Group ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Ergometer Test ◽  
Sprint Swimming

Sprint swimming is a short duration, high intensity sport requiring a relatively greater contribution of energy from anaerobic metabolism. Understanding energy system utilization for the classification of a competitive swimmer (sprint or distance) may be useful for both training prescription and event specialization. The relationship between anaerobic swim ergometer testing and adolescent sprint swimming performance has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance and physiological responses during a maximal all-out ergometer test as well as the maximal anaerobic lactate test in a group of sprint vs. middle-distance specialized swimmers. Sixteen (n = 16) competitive swimmers (mean ± standard deviation (SD), age 16.8 ± 0.7 year; body mass 67.3 ± 9.8 kg) were categorized into two gender matched groups: sprint (n = 8) and middle-distance (n = 8). Each athlete performed (1) a 45 s swim ergometer maximal test to determine peak and mean power output (Watts (W)), (2) a MANLT test to determine peak and average velocity as well as the post-exercise lactate response, and (3) a 50 m swim time trial. The sprint group showed a higher mean (p = 0.026) and peak (p = 0.031) velocity during the MANLT. In addition, blood lactate concentration was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the sprint vs. middle-distance trained group at 3 and 12 min after completion of the MANLT (3-min post 11.29 ± 2.32 vs. 9.55 ± 3.48 mmol/L; 12-min post 8.23 ± 2.28 vs. 7.05 ± 2.47 mmol/L). The power output during the 45 s all-out swimming ergometer test was higher in the sprint trained group. The results of this study demonstrate the anaerobic contribution to sprint swimming measured during an all-out dryland ergometer test.

Postexercise heart rate recovery in children: relationship with power output, blood pH, and lactate

2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Buchheit ◽  
Pascale Duché ◽  
Paul B. Laursen ◽  
Sébastien Ratel
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Intermittent Exercise ◽  
Heart Rate Recovery ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Primary Component ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Adolescents And Adults

The aim of the present study was to determine whether differences in age-related heart rate recovery (HRR) kinetics were associated with differences in power output, blood lactate concentration ([La]b), and acidosis among children, adolescents, and adults. Ten prepubertal boys (aged 9.6 ± 0.7 years), 6 pubertal boys (aged 15.2 ± 0.8 years), and 7 men (aged 20.4 ± 1.0 years) performed 10 repeated 10-s all-out cycling sprints, interspersed with 5-min passive recovery intervals. Mean power output (MPO) was measured during each sprint, and HRR, [La]b, and acidosis (pHb) were determined immediately after each sprint. Children displayed a shorter time constant of the primary component of HRR than adolescents and adults (17.5 ± 4.1 vs. 38.0 ± 5.3 and 36.9 ± 4.9 s, p < 0.001 for both), but no difference was observed between adolescents and adults (p = 1.00). MPO, [La]b, and pHb were also lower in children compared with the other 2 groups (p < 0.001 for both). When data were pooled, HRR was significantly correlated with MPO (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), [La]b (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), and pHb (r = –0.60, p < 0.001). Covarying for MPO, [La]b, or pHb abolished the between-group differences in HRR (p = 0.42, p = 0.19, and p = 0.16, respectively). Anaerobic glycolytic contribution and power output explained a significant portion of the HRR variance following high-intensity intermittent exercise. The faster HRR kinetic observed in children appears to be related, at least in part, to their lower work rate and inherent lack of anaerobic metabolic capacity.

The Effects of 4 Different Recovery Strategies on Repeat Sprint-Cycling Performance

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 542-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos K. Argus ◽  
Matthew W. Driller ◽  
Tammie R. Ebert ◽  
David T. Martin ◽  
Shona L. Halson
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Compression Garments ◽  
Recovery Strategies ◽  
Sprint Cycling ◽  
Mean Power Output

Purpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of different recovery strategies on repeat cycling performance where a short duration between exercise bouts is required.Methods:Eleven highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age = 31 ± 6 y, mass = 74.6 ± 10.6 kg, height = 180.5 ± 8.1 cm) completed 4 trials each consisting of three 30-s maximal sprints (S1, S2, S3) on a cycle ergometer, separated by 20-min recovery periods. In a counterbalanced, crossover design, each trial involved subjects performing 1 of 4 recovery strategies: compression garments (COMP), electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), humidification therapy (HUM), and a passive control (CON). The sprint tests implemented a 60-s preload (at an intensity of 4.5 W/kg) before a 30-s maximal sprint. Mean power outputs (W) for the 3 sprints, in combination with perceived recovery and blood lactate concentration, were used to examine the effect of each recovery strategy.Results:In CON, S2 and S3 were (mean ± SD) –2.1% ± 3.9% and –3.1% ± 4.2% lower than S1, respectively. Compared with CON, COMP resulted in a higher mean power output from S1 to S2 (mean ± 90%CL: 0.8% ± 1.2%; possibly beneficial) and from S1 to S3 (1.2% ± 1.9%; possibly beneficial), while HUM showed a higher mean power output from S1 to S3 (2.2% ± 2.5%; likely beneficial) relative to CON.Conclusion:The authors suggest that both COMP and HUM may be effective strategies to enhance recovery between repeated sprint-cycling bouts separated by ~30 min.

A Comparison of Asynchronous and Synchronous Arm Cranking During the Wingate Test

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale I. Lovell ◽  
Dale Mason ◽  
Elias Delphinus ◽  
Chris McLellan
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Wingate Test ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Arm Cranking ◽  
Minimum Power ◽  
Time To Peak

Purpose:The aim of this study was to compare asynchronous (AS Y) arm cranking (cranks at 180° relative to each other) with synchronous (SYN) arm cranking (parallel crank setting) during the 30 s Wingate anaerobic test.Methods:Thirty-two physically active men (aged 22.1 ± 2.4 y) completed two Wingate tests (one ASY and one SYN) separated by 4 d in a randomized counterbalanced order. The Wingate tests were completed on a modified electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. Performance measures assessed during the two tests include peak power, mean power, minimum power, time to peak power, rate to fatigue and maximum cadence (RPMmax). Blood lactate concentration was also measured before and 5 min after the tests.Results:Peak and mean power (both absolute and relative to body weight) during SYN arm cranking were significantly (p < 0.001) less than during ASY arm cranking. Rate to fatigue and RPMmax were also significantly (p = 0.012) lower during SYN arm cranking compared with ASY arm cranking. No significant difference was found between test conditions for minimum power, time to peak power or blood lactate concentration.Conclusions:These findings demonstrate that ASY arm cranking results in higher peak and mean anaerobic power compared with SYN arm cranking during the Wingate test. Therefore, an ASY arm crank configuration should be used to assess anaerobic power in most individuals although specific population groups may require further testing to determine which crank configuration is most suitable for the Wingate test.

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 Sporting myths: the REAL role of lactate during exercise

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Mann
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Lactate Production ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Early Exercise ◽  
Important Intermediate ◽  
Lactate Formation ◽  
Exercise Muscle

Background. Lactate or, as it was customarily known, ‘lactic acid’ was one of the first molecules to attract the attention of early exercise scientists, mainly because blood lactate concentration could be measured and was shown to increase with increasing exercise intensity. This connection resulted in lactate being associated with numerous other events associated with high-intensity exercise including muscle cramps, fatigue, acidosis and post-exercise muscle soreness. Nobel prize-winning research by AV Hill and Otto Meyerhof provided a rational explanation linking lactate to anaerobiosis and acidosis, which resulted in this relationship being widely accepted as fact. It was only following isotopic tracer studies of George Brooks and others that the true role of lactate during rest and exercise was revealed. Conclusions. Lactate is now acknowledged as an important intermediate of carbohydrate metabolism, taken up from the blood by tissues such as skeletal and cardiac muscle as a substrate for oxidation. Furthermore, lactate formation consumes a proton, thereby buffering against muscle acidosis. For this reason, lactate production forms an essential aid to endurance performance rather than a hindrance.

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