Validity of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer and Reliability of a 4 km Cycle Time Trial
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the validity of power and the reliability of a 4 km cycle time trial (TT) using the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer. Methods: The Wahoo KICKR power output was assessed using a dynamic calibration rig (DCR) over power outputs of 100-600 W at cadences of 80, 90 and 100 rpm. Twelve trained male cyclists (mean ± SD; age: 34.0 ± 6.5 years, height: 178.4 ± 6.2 cm, body mass: 76.8 ± 9.6 kg) completed three 4 km TTs on the Wahoo KICKR, each separated by a minimum of two and a maximum of three days. Mean power (W), cadence (rpm), speed (km.h-1), heart rate (bpm) and total time (s) were recorded for each TT while ratings of effort (0-10) and sessional ratings of perceived exertion (6-20) were collected immediately and 10 mins post each TT. Results: Bias for differences in power (%) recorded by the Wahoo KICKR to the DCR was 0.8% (95%LOA -4.0- 5.6%) (Figure 1). Average ICC between trials (2-1, 3-2, 3-1) for power was 0.95 (95%CI 0.89-0.98), cadence 0.80 (95 %CI 0.60- 0.92), speed 0.70 (95%CI 0.46- 0.88), heart rate 0.93 (95%CI 0.85- 0.98) and total time 0.75 (95%CI 0.53-0.90). Coefficient of variation was 2.9%, 4.5%, 3.7%, 1.5%, 3.6% for power, cadence, speed, heart rate and total time, respectively (Table 2). Results: sIgA concentrations (μg.ml ٰ̄) before and after the treadmill were [mean 595, s = 64.6 and mean 841, s = 76.3] and before and after the bike were [mean 593.9, s = 51.1 and 778.8 s = 99.3]. sIgA secretion rates (μg.min ٰ̄) before and after the treadmill were [mean 396.2, s = 73.7 and 223 s = 99.6] and before and after the bike were [mean 284.1, s = 74.3 and 216.6, s = 29.5]. Saliva flow rates (μl.min ٰ̄) before and after the treadmill were [mean 657.8, s = 92.2 and 289.3, s = 56.6] and before and after the bike were [mean 487.2, s = 123.3 and 319.5, s = 66.5]. The results indicated that sIgA secretion rate (P < 0.028) and saliva flow rate (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased following the 2 hour treadmill protocol but not the 2 hour bike protocol. sIgA concentration was also significantly elevated following the treadmill (P < 0.01), with no significant increase following the bike protocol. Conclusion: These results suggest that when compared to a DCR, the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer displays a small mean bias across all measures of power, with caution to be applied at the lower ranges of power output (<200 W). When completed on the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer, a 4 km TT in trained cyclists is highly reproducible.
Authors and Affiliations
Emma K Zadow| University of Tasmania, Department of Health Sciences, James W Fell| University of Tasmania, Department of Health Sciences, Stuart T Smith| University of Tasmania, Department of Health Sciences, Cecilia M Shing| University of Tasmania, Department of Health Sciences
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2915
- DOI -
- Views 395
- Downloads 22
Amateur cyclists can complete the full Tour de France in the same amount of days as professional cyclists
Participating in the Tour de France (TdF), 3.497 kilometres in 21 days, is a challenge for professional as well as for amateur cyclists. The exceptional high demands both physically and mentally enhance the risk of falli...
Wind speed, wind yaw and the aerodynamic drag acting on a bicycle and rider
A large portion of a cyclist’s power is consumed by air drag. Opposing force power meters measure air drag with a wind sensor. In cross winds the bicycle and rider experience a different air drag than that informed by a...
Low dose fish oil increases the omega-3 index improving cycling efficiency and heart rate recovery
Background: Dietary fish oil provides long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The heart (Charnock et al., 1986: Annals of Nutrition and Met...
Foot Pain and Cycling: a survey of frequency, type, location, associations and amelioration of foot pain
The foot – pedal interface is the primary site for energy transfer from the cyclist to the bicycle, with anecdotal evidence that foot injuries from cycling are common. However, there is little research regarding the prev...
A contiguous ramp and all-out exercise test to determine critical power in competitive cyclists
Background: Critical power (CP) represents the highest metabolic rate at which oxygen uptake and blood lactate stabilizes during exercise and is strongly associated with endurance exercise performance. Determination of C...