The reliability of performance during computer-simulated varying gradient cycling time trials
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Ergometer based time trials are commonly used to assess performance changes due to training or other interventions. This investigation establishes the reliability of a novel computer simulated cycling time trial. Nineteen cyclists (age: 32 ± 12 years, mass 73 ± 11 kg, height 178 ± 5 cm) completed four time trials over a 20-km course which included numerous changes in gradient. The time trials were completed over a 4-week period in order to establish both short and long-term reliability. Performance time (mean ± SD) for trials one to four was 2265 ± 149 s, 2252 ± 153 s, 2236 ± 146 s and 2240 ± 154 s respectively; the corresponding power output for consecutive trials was 293 ± 35 W, 297 ± 36 W, 299 ± 35 W and 299 ± 35 W. The coefficient of variation (± 90% confidence limits) of performance for trials separated by 7, 14, 21 and 28 days was 1.1% (0.8% – 1.5%), 1.3% (1.1% – 1.9%), 1.3% (1.1% – 1.9%) and 1.5% (1.1% – 2.1%) respectively for time; the corresponding values for power output were 2.0% (1.5% – 2.7%), 2.3% (1.8% – 3.2%), 2.6% (2.0% – 3.6%) and 3.2% (2.5% – 4.5%). Further analysis based on rider ability indicated slower riders were less reliable than faster riders by a factor of ~1.1. Reliability of time trial performance diminishes with increasing time between trials. Additionally, faster riders show better reliability than slower riders over time. Researchers should consider the effect of time between trials and athlete ability when making conclusions about intervention effectiveness.
Authors and Affiliations
Bradley Clark| Federation University Australia, Carl D Paton| Eastern Institute of Technology, New Zealand, Brendan J O'Brien| Federation University Australia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2898
- DOI -
- Views 393
- Downloads 23
An optimal control approach to the high intensity interval training design
Prediction of the acute response induced by various training protocols is of great importance when looking for a systematic approach in designing high intensity training (HIT) sessions. The prediction of some of the inde...
Treadmill cycling trial in diagnostics endurance preparation of MTB cyclists before Olympic Games or World Championship
The evaluation of endurance preparation of MTB cyclists in conditions corresponding to the specificity of routes of World Championship (WCh) and Olympic Games (OG) is very difficult. Treadmill cycling trials are used in...
Modelling of cycling power data and its application for anti-doping
Since the introduction of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), research studies have suggested that there is risk of false-positive results due to a variety of factors that act to compromise its sensitivity to detect u...
Evaluation of comfort: Acceleration transmissibility of different road bikes
Cycling training volume is very important for professional cyclists. According to Pinot and Grappe (2014), a top-10 cycling Grand Tour finisher rides ~30,000 km and 950 h during one complete season. In this condition sev...
Orthotic insoles show effects on knee kinematics during pedaling in recreational cyclists
Orthotic insoles in cycling shoes are an intervention used to correct pedaling mechanics in riders, which has received little attention in the literature. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the use of or...