Performance and physiological analysis of 500 km non-stop cycling: a case study. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valenzuela, Pedro L.; Foster, Carl; Lucía, Alejandro; de la Villa, Pedro
• Is Part Of: Research in sports medicine. Volume 26:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 229
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Ultra-endurance -- cardiovascular response -- heart rate variability -- biochemical changes; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine du sport -- Périodiques; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1431538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1543-8627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Ultra-endurance sports have gained popularity over the last years. In this case, a well-trained cyclist completed 503.5 km non-stop (33.3 km.h −1 ). Speed and power output were reduced during the trial, being the reduction of power attributable to changes in pedal velocity rather than pedal forces. Heart rate (HR) showed an initial cardiovascular drift and progressively decreased independently of power. A decreased HR variability, a marked inflammatory response, signs of muscle damage and alterations of the haematological profile were observed after the trial. These adverse physiological effects were still present 24–48 h after exercise. A reduction in handgrip maximal voluntary contraction was observed immediately after the trial and 24 h later despite these muscles being minimally active during exercise. These findings show the high levels of stress to which the organism is subjected during ultra-endurance exercise even in the case of a trained cyclist.