Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers
Published on: January 28, 2020
Combined cycle and run performance is maximised when the cycle is completed at the highest sustainable intensity
1School of Human Movement and Exercise Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cycle intensity on subsequent running performance and combined cycle-run (CR) performance. Seven triathletes undertook a cycling graded exercise test to exhaustion, an isolated 500-kJ cycle time trial (CTT) and an isolated 5-km running time trial. Then they performed a series of CR tests, at various cycle intensities, followed by an all-out, 5-km run. The CR tests were separated into four categories based on the percentage of the CTT at which the cycle was performed (CR 81-85%, CR 86-90%, CR 91-95%, and CR 96-100%). Running performance was slower during CR 96-100% compared to CR 81-85% and CR 86-90% (20:45 ± 1:19 vs. 19:56 ± 0:40 and 19:46 ± 0:49 min; P < 0.05), but not CR 91-95% (20:19 ± 1:08 min; P > 0.05). CR performance was maximised during CR 96-100% when compared to CR 81-85, CR 86-90 and CR 91-95% (56:37 ± 4:04 vs. 62:40 ± 5:30, 59:53 ± 4:41 and 58:29 ± 4:40 min; P < 0.05). The results suggest that combined cycle and run performance is maximised when the cycle is completed at the highest sustainable intensity.
Related Concept Videos
Efficiency of The Carnot Cycle
Carnot Cycle and Efficiency
The Carnot Cycle
What could be the theoretical limit to the efficiency of a heat engine? The...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Maximum Power Transfer
By substituting the entire circuit with...
