Laboratory predictors of uphill cycling performance in trained cyclists

Bossi, Arthur Henrique; Lima, Pedro; Lima, Jorge Perrout de; Hopker, James

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the relationship between an uphill time-trial (TT) performance and both aerobic and anaerobic parameters obtained from laboratory tests. Fifteen cyclists performed a Wingate anaerobic test, a graded exercise test (GXT) and a field-based 20-min TT with 2.7% mean gradient. After a 5-week non-supervised training period, 10 of them performed a second TT for analysis of pacing reproducibility. Stepwise multiple regressions demonstrated that 91% of TT mean power output variation (W kg−1) could be explained by peak oxygen uptake (ml kg−1.min−1) and the respiratory compensation point (W kg−1), with standardised beta coefficients of 0.64 and 0.39, respectively. The agreement between mean power output and power at respiratory compensation point showed a bias ± random error of 16.2 ± 51.8 W or 5.7 ± 19.7%. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of the time interval (123.1 ± 8.7; 97.8 ± 1.2 and 94.0 ± 7.2% of mean power output, for epochs 0–2, 2–18 and 18–20 min, respectively; P < 0.001), characterising a positive pacing profile. This study indicates that an uphill, 20-min TT-type performance is correlated to aerobic physiological GXT variables and that cyclists adopt reproducible pacing strategies when they are tested 5 weeks apart (coefficients of variation of 6.3; 1 and 4%, for 0–2, 2–18 and 18–20 min, respectively).

Citation

Bossi, A. H., Lima, P., Lima, J. P. D., & Hopker, J. (2017). Laboratory predictors of uphill cycling performance in trained cyclists. Journal of Sports Sciences, 35(14), 1364-1371. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1182199

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 19, 2016
• Online Publication Date: May 7, 2016
• Publication Date: Jul 18, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Sports Sciences
• Print ISSN: 0264-0414
• Electronic ISSN: 1466-447X
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 14
• Pages: 1364-1371
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1182199
• Keywords: Power output, field test, VO2max, pacing strategy, self-paced exercise
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2896961