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Variable power output during cycling improves subsequent treadmill run time to exhaustion
R Suriano1, F Vercruyssen, D Bishop
1School of Human Movement and Exercise Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|August 18, 2006
Summary
Variable-intensity cycling exercise significantly improved subsequent running performance in triathletes compared to constant-intensity cycling. This suggests that varying power output during cycling may enhance endurance, even with similar average physiological responses.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Endurance Performance
Background:
- Optimizing training protocols is crucial for enhancing athletic performance.
- Understanding the impact of different exercise intensities on subsequent performance is key for training periodization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of constant versus variable power output cycling on high-intensity running performance.
- To investigate the physiological adaptations and performance outcomes following different cycling exercise protocols.
Main Methods:
- Eight triathletes completed two randomized 30-minute cycling sessions: constant power output (90% lactate threshold) and variable power output (+/-20% every 5 min).
- Immediately following cycling, participants performed a high-intensity treadmill run to exhaustion.
- Metabolic values, power output, and time to exhaustion during running were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in mean metabolic values or power output were observed between the constant and variable cycling conditions.
- A significant improvement in time to exhaustion during the high-intensity run was found after variable-intensity cycling (15:09 min) compared to constant-intensity cycling (10:51 min).
- Variable-intensity cycling led to a greater improvement in subsequent running performance despite similar average physiological responses during the cycling bout.
Conclusions:
- Variable-intensity cycling exercise enhances subsequent high-intensity running performance compared to constant-intensity cycling in triathletes.
- The improved running performance after variable cycling may be attributed to potential recovery during the reduced power output intervals.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific physiological mechanisms underlying this performance enhancement.
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