BOOK OF ABSTRACTS Open Access The influence of aerobic fitness on the oxygen uptake kinetics of trained cyclists
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction: The oxygen uptake kinetics of cyclists with O2max values associated with Elite standards has not been investigated. A hypothesis was tested stating that trained cyclists have faster oxygen uptake responses as aerobic fitness increases. Methods: Participants (n = 16, combined group) completed a series of square wave 6-min exercises at moderate (80% LT), heavy (50%∆ between the power at LT and O2max), and severe (power at O2max) intensities. The O2 response after the onset of exercise was described by a double exponential model. Participants were further assigned to a high fitness (HF, n = 8) group ( O2max 65 ± 4.7 ml min-1 kg-1) and a moderate fitness (MF, n = 8) group ( O2max 55.1 ± 4.8 ml min-1 kg-1). Results: Results showed a significant slowing of phase II response time (t) above the LT (P < 0.05), and a reduction in gain (G) during severe intensity exercise (P < 0.05). During heavy intensity exercise, t was moderately correlated with O2max (r = -0.64, P < 0.1), and significant differences (P < 0.05) occurred between HF and MF groups. A significant difference also occurred in G between HF and MF groups (F = 5.6, P < 0.05) despite no change in the slow component. Conclusion: It was concluded that during heavy intensity exercise, the speed of oxygen uptake kinetics continued to improve with increasing aerobic fitness. The mechanism responsible was hypothesised to be related to the percentage of type I muscle fibres.
Authors and Affiliations
G Rose| School of Health, Sport & Professional Practice, University of South Wales, Newport, UK.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2871
- DOI -
- Views 361
- Downloads 23
Physiological characteristics of elite vs non-elite enduro mountain bike cyclists
Enduro mountain bike racing debuted internationally in 2013 as the Enduro World Series (EWS). Riders compete individually on multiple timed predominantly downhill stages and travel generally uphill between stages eithe...
Neuromuscular, metabolic and ventilatory fatigue threshold from an incremental cycling test using 1-min exercise periods
Extensive research has been directed towards the identification of the threshold that demarcates fatiguing from non-fatiguing exercise during an incremental workout on a cycle ergometer. As the exercise intensity increas...
Modelling of critical power from road data
Background: Performance tests are an integral part of evaluating competitive cyclists. Despite all technological and physiological advances, limited research has been performed addressing the translation of standardized,...
Optimal Cycling Strategies for two Cooperating Riders
Winning a stage of the Tour de France depends on several factors. Besides preparation and the physiological and mental condition, the racing strategy plays a major role. There have been several works that determine opti...
Effects of seat height on muscular pattern and interlimb coordination in cycling
The riding position is a key factor for performance in cycling particularly to prevent chronic diseases related to practice. Even though some authors use the crotch length to get the ideal seat height, others base the r...