Can more than one incremental cycling test be performed within one day?

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Assessing physiological responses to repeated maximal exercise is crucial for training protocols.
• Understanding performance decrements across multiple tests informs optimal testing strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate performance parameter changes during four consecutive maximal incremental cycling tests within a single day.
• To determine the feasibility of multiple daily tests without compromising key physiological indicators.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen participants (8 trained, 8 untrained) underwent four maximal incremental cycling tests.
• Tests were separated by 1.5 hours of passive rest with standardized meals.
• Key performance indicators including VO2max, Pmax, heart rate, blood lactate, and catecholamines were measured.

Main Results:

• Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) remained stable across all four tests for both groups.
• Maximal power output (Pmax) decreased in untrained individuals from the third test onwards.
• Submaximal heart rate and blood lactate accumulation increased progressively, indicating accumulating fatigue.

Conclusions:

• At least four maximal incremental cycling tests can be performed daily if VO2max is the sole performance indicator.
• Due to altered heart rate and lactate responses, multiple daily tests are not recommended if other physiological parameters are critical.