Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses

Borszcz, Fernando; Tramontin, Artur; Bossi, Arthur; Carminatti, Lorival; Costa, Vitor

Abstract

Functional threshold power is defined as the highest power output a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state for approximately 60 min (FTP60). In order to improve practicality for regular evaluations, FTP60 could theoretically be determined as 95% of the mean power output in a 20-min time trial (FTP20). This study tested this assumption and the validity of FTP20 and FTP60 against the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion, 20- and 60-min time trials, and a time to exhaustion at FTP20. Power output, heart rate and oxygen uptake representing FTP20, FTP60 and IAT were not different (p>0.05), and large to very large correlations were found (r=0.61 to 0.88). Bland-Altman plots between FTP20, FTP60 and IAT showed small bias (–1 to –5 W), but large limits of agreement ([–40 to 32 W] to [–62 to 60 W]). Time to exhaustion at FTP20 was 50.9±15.7 min. In conclusion, FTP20 and FTP60 should not be used interchangeably on an individual basis and their validity against IAT should be interpreted with caution.

Citation

Borszcz, F., Tramontin, A., Bossi, A., Carminatti, L., & Costa, V. (2018). Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(10), 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-101546

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 15, 2018
• Online Publication Date: May 25, 2018
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2022
• Journal: International Journal of Sports Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0172-4622
• Electronic ISSN: 1439-3964
• Publisher: Thieme Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 737-742
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-101546
• Keywords: cycling, time trial, performance, pacing strategy, noninvasive test, anaerobic threshold
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2896940