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Shorter constant work rate cycling tests as proxies for longer tests in highly trained cyclists

View ORCID ProfileChantelle du Plessis, Mark Andrews, Lachlan J G Mitchell, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Trish King, Anthony J Blazevich
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.12.464126
Chantelle du Plessis
1Centre of Exercise and Sport Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
2Performance Science Unit, Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
3Queensland Academy of Sport, Sport Performance Innovation and Knowledge Excellence, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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  • ORCID record for Chantelle du Plessis
  • For correspondence: chantelle.duplessis@dtis.qld.gov.au
Mark Andrews
2Performance Science Unit, Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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Lachlan J G Mitchell
2Performance Science Unit, Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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Jodie Cochrane Wilkie
1Centre of Exercise and Sport Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Trish King
2Performance Science Unit, Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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Anthony J Blazevich
1Centre of Exercise and Sport Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract

Severe-intensity constant work rate (CWR) cycling tests are useful for monitoring training progression and adaptation as they impose significant physiological and psychological strain and thus simulate the high-intensity competition environment. However, fatiguing tests require substantial recovery and may disrupt athlete training or competition preparation. Therefore, the development of a brief, minimally fatiguing test providing comparable information is desirable.

Purpose To determine whether physiological variables measured during, and functional decline in maximal power output immediately after, a 2-min CWR test can act as a proxy for 4-min test outcomes.

Methods Physiological stress was monitored and pre-to-post-CWR changes in 10-s sprint power computed (to estimate performance fatigability) during 2- and 4-min CWR tests in high-level cyclists.

Results The 2-min CWR test evoked a smaller decline in sprint mechanical power (32% vs. 47%, p<0.001), however both the physiological variables and sprint mechanical power were independently and strongly correlated between 2- and 4-min tests. Differences in V·O2peak and blood lactate concentration in both CWR tests were strongly associated with the decline in sprint mechanical power.

Conclusion Physiological variables measured during, and the loss in sprint mechanical power measured after, a severe-intensity 2-min CWR test were less than in the 4-min test. Yet strong correlations between 2- and 4-min test outcomes indicated that the 2-min test can be used as a proxy for the longer test. Because shorter tests are less strenuous, they should have less impact on training and competition preparation and may therefore be more practically applicable within the elite performance environment.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Copyright 
The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.
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Posted October 12, 2021.
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Shorter constant work rate cycling tests as proxies for longer tests in highly trained cyclists
Chantelle du Plessis, Mark Andrews, Lachlan J G Mitchell, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Trish King, Anthony J Blazevich
bioRxiv 2021.10.12.464126; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.12.464126
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Shorter constant work rate cycling tests as proxies for longer tests in highly trained cyclists
Chantelle du Plessis, Mark Andrews, Lachlan J G Mitchell, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Trish King, Anthony J Blazevich
bioRxiv 2021.10.12.464126; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.12.464126

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