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Functional Threshold Power Estimated from a 20-minute Time-trial Test is Warm-up-dependent
Artur Ferreira Tramontin1, Fernando Klitzke Borszcz1,2, Vitor Costa1
1Human Performance Research Group, Center for Health and Sport Sciences, University of Santa Catarina State, Florianópolis, Brazil.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 8, 2021
Summary
Different warm-up protocols significantly impact cycling performance. Shorter, high-intensity warm-ups improve 20-minute time trial power output and pacing compared to traditional, longer protocols.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Cycling Performance
Background:
- Functional threshold power (FTP) is a key metric for cyclists.
- Warm-up protocols are crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
- Existing research on warm-up protocols for time trial performance is varied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of distinct warm-up protocols on 20-minute time trial performance in trained cyclists.
- To analyze the impact of warm-up duration and structure on pacing strategies during a 20-minute time trial.
- To determine how different warm-ups affect the resultant functional threshold power.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one trained cyclists completed an incremental test and four 20-minute time trials.
- Four different warm-up protocols were employed: Traditional (45 min with 5-min TT 15 min prior), Reverse (45 min with 5-min TT 25 min prior), High Revolutions-per-minute (25 min), and Self-selected (10 min).
- Power output and pacing strategies during the 20-minute time trials were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Power outputs were significantly higher following the High Revolutions-per-minute (270±30 W) and Self-selected (270±30 W) warm-ups compared to the Traditional (256±30 W) and Reverse (257±30 W) protocols.
- Pacing strategies differed, with a conservative (negative) start for Traditional and Reverse, and a fast-start (U-shaped) for High Revolutions-per-minute and Self-selected.
- This suggests that warm-up protocols influence both maximal power output and pacing behavior.
Conclusions:
- Warm-up protocols significantly affect 20-minute time trial performance and pacing strategies in trained cyclists.
- Shorter, more intense warm-ups (High Revolutions-per-minute and Self-selected) lead to superior performance compared to longer, traditional protocols.
- The choice of warm-up protocol can influence the measured functional threshold power, highlighting the importance of standardized warm-up procedures in performance testing.
