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W' reconstitution modelling during intermittent exercise performed to task failure.

Alexander J Welburn¹, Charles F Pugh², Stephen J Bailey³

¹School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK. a.j.welburn@lboro.ac.uk.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

|August 11, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Accurate W' balance (W'_BAL) modelling for intermittent cycling requires individualized time constant (τ_W') equations. Standard equations fail to predict exhaustion, but individualized τ_W' correlates with endurance performance markers like critical power.

Keywords:

W′ reconstitution Wʹ BAL Critical power Cycling performance Intermittent exercise

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Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Sports Science
Cycling Performance Analysis

Background:

W' balance (W'_BAL) modelling is a key tool for monitoring intermittent cycling performance.
Accurate prediction of exhaustion during intermittent exercise is crucial for training and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the predictive accuracy of different time constant (τ_W') equations for W' reconstitution (W'_rec) during intermittent exercise.
To examine the relationship between W'_rec parameters and established endurance performance determinants.

Main Methods:

Thirteen cyclists underwent tests to determine lactate threshold (LT), critical power (CP), W', V̇O_2max, maximal aerobic power (MAP), and maximal sprint power (P_max).
Participants completed three intermittent W' depletion trials with varying work/recovery periods (20:10, 60:30, 20:10_TE).
W'_BAL was calculated using five standard τ_W' equations and an individualized equation (τ_W'INDV) derived from the 20:10_TE trial.

Main Results:

Standard τ_W' equations did not accurately predict exhaustion in intermittent exercise protocols.
Total work done above CP (W'_total20:10_TE) positively correlated with LT, CP, V̇O_2max, MAP, and P_max (r=0.64-0.80).
The individualized τ_W'INDV showed negative correlations with relative CP (r=-0.69), LT₁ (r=-0.58), and W'_total20:10_TE (r=-0.63).

Conclusions:

Individualized τ_W' equations are necessary for accurate W'_BAL prediction.
W' reconstitution is primarily influenced by aerobic performance parameters, specifically lactate threshold and critical power.