The effect of power alternation frequency during cycling on metabolic load and subsequent running performance
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2012, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the frequency of power output alternation during cycling affects subsequent running performance. Eleven male triathletes completed a graded cycle test to determine peak oxygen uptake and the corresponding power at 35% delta. Two performance tests were then conducted, each comprising of a thirty minute cycling protocol followed by a 5 km free pace run. Mean cycling power was equal for both trials (35% delta), however the frequency of power alternations differed. In one trial cycling power output alternated every five minutes, whereas in the other trial cycling power output alternated every one minute. Power was set to alternate 15% above and below the 35% delta value. No significant difference was found between trials for the subsequent 5 km running performance time (P = .63). A significant difference was observed for overall mean heart rate between cycle trials (P = .045), however no significant difference was observed for overall mean oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion or pedal cadence (P > 0.05). When data was divided into 5 minute epoch stages rating of perceived exertion was significantly different between cycle trials at epochs three (minutes 10-15; P = .046) and five (minutes 20-25; P < 0.001). We conclude that when power is alternated equally during cycling, the frequency of power change (maximum of five minutes, minimum of one minute) does not affect subsequent running performance.
Authors and Affiliations
Colin F Hill*| Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, United Kingdom., Alan St Clair Gibson| School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2807
- DOI -
- Views 619
- Downloads 31
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...
Low Cadence, High Resistance Creates More Muscle Breakdown than High Cadence, Low Resistance in Well Trained Cyclists during High Intensity Interval Training
Research by Laursen (2005:Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19, 527-533) demonstrated the positive effects of High Intensity Interval Training on cycling performance concluding that peripheral (muscular) ad...
The effect of bicycle seat-tube angle on muscle activation of lower extremity
Purpose: This study recruited bicycle enthusiasts and investigated lower extremity muscle activation at various seat-tube angles. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 males and 10 females) with right dominant leg wer...
The effects of forward rotation of posture on heavy intensity cycling: Implications of UCI rule 1.3.013
UCI rule 1.3.013 limits the forward displacement of the nose of the saddle to 5cm rearward of the centre of the bottom-bracket. This study tests the effects of contravening this rule on 4km laboratory time trials and hig...
Rehabilitation of a tibial plateau fracture within an elite female mountainbiker. A case report
Tibial plateau fractures present a challenging problem for elite athletes and medical personnel, with many athletes failing to return to previous sporting levels post fracture (Johansson etal, 1992). An elite professiona...