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Reliability and validity of a new variable-power performance test in road cyclists
Avish P Sharma1, Adrian D Elliott, David J Bentley
1Human Exercise Performance Laboratory, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|August 14, 2014
Summary
A new cycling test reliably simulates road races with variable power output. Maximal aerobic power best predicts performance in this challenging new test.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Cycling Performance
Background:
- Road cycle racing involves unpredictable intensity variations.
- Existing tests lack sufficient power output variability and reliability data.
- Physiological predictors for variable-power cycling performance are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of mean power output in a novel variable-power cycling test (VCT).
- To identify physiological attributes correlating with performance in the VCT.
- To model road cycling intensity variations more accurately.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen trained male cyclists underwent incremental exercise tests and two VCTs.
- The VCT mimicked elite road racing power output fluctuations.
- Physiological data (VO2max, lactate) were collected and correlated with VCT performance.
Main Results:
- The VCT demonstrated good reliability for mean power output (r = .92, CV% = 1.98).
- Maximal aerobic power (r = .79) and power at the second ventilatory threshold (r = .69) strongly correlated with VCT performance.
- Blood lactate measurements showed poor inter-trial reliability (CV% = 13.93%).
Conclusions:
- A new, reliable protocol effectively simulates the variable intensity of road cycling.
- Maximal aerobic power is a key physiological predictor for variable-power cycling performance.
- Further research is required to validate the VCT for monitoring training adaptations.
