The influence of pacing during 6-minute supra-maximal cycle ergometer performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pacing on performance, oxygen uptake (VO2), oxygen deficit and blood lactate accumulation during a 6-minute cycle ergometer test. Six recreational cyclists completed three 6-minute cycling tests using fast-start, even-pacing and slow-fast pacing conditions. Cycle ergometer performance was measured as the mean power output produced for each cycling test. Energy system contribution during each cycling trial was estimated using a modified accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) method. Blood lactate concentration was analysed from blood sampled using a catheter in a forearm vein prior to exercise, at 2 minutes, 4 minutes and 6 minutes during exercise, and at 2 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes post-exercise. There was no significant difference between the pacing conditions for mean power output (P = 0.09), peak VO2 (P = 0.92), total VO2 (P = 0.76), AOD (P = 0.91), the time-course of VO2 (P = 0.22) or blood lactate accumulation (P= 0.07). There was, however, a significant difference between the three pacing conditions in the oxygen deficit measured over time (P = 0.02). These changes in the time-course of oxygen deficit during cycling trials did not, however, significantly affect the mean power output produced by each pacing condition.