The Role of Pedaling Intensity During Torque Training in Cyclists: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

The so-called "torque training" has gained popularity among cyclists, but mixed evidence exists on its effectiveness. We analyzed the effects induced by torque training at two different pedaling intensities. During 10 weeks, 46 well-trained male cyclists (maximum oxygen uptake = 62.7 ± 5.8 mL·kg^-1·min^-1) were randomly allocated into a control group that kept their habitual cycling training (n = 15), or to two groups that added two weekly torque sessions performed with either a high relative load (HIGH-Load [n = 16], all-out pedaling cycles against 70% of the maximum dynamic force); or low relative load (LOW-Load [n = 15], 4-min intervals against 35% of the maximum dynamic force). Outcomes included performance indicators (i.e., maximum aerobic power [MAP], ventilatory thresholds, efficiency, time to exhaustion at the respiratory compensation point), body composition and quadriceps' morphological parameters. In within-group analyses, only HIGH-Load improved Wingate peak and mean power (p < 0.001), endurance indicators (MAP and ventilatory thresholds, p < 0.05) and quadriceps' cross-sectional area (p = 0.030). Larger improvements were observed for HIGH-Load compared to controls for Wingate peak and mean power and for quadriceps' CSA (all p < 0.01). In turn, no significant within-group differences were observed in LOW-Load, and between-group differences compared to controls were only found for Wingate mean power (p = 0.008). No significant differences were found between LOW and HIGH-Load despite moderate effect sizes for some outcomes (Cohen's d > 0.5 for MAP, Wingate performance and TTE). In summary, HIGH-Load torque training seems to improve different performance indicators and muscle morphology among well-trained cyclists, although its superiority compared to other torque training interventions should be confirmed in larger studies.