Methodological approaches to determine the "U"-pacing strategy in cycling time trial. (3rd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Azevedo, Rafael; Cruz, Ramon; Silva-Cavalcante, Marcos; Silva, Renata; Correia-Oliveira, Carlos; Couto, Patrícia; Lima-Silva, Adriano; Bertuzzi, Romulo
• Is Part Of: International journal of performance analysis in sport. Volume 17:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 752
• Page End: 762
• Publication Date: 2017-09-03
• Subjects: Endurance performance -- power output -- visual model -- mathematical model -- performance analysis; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; 796.015
• DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2017.1399322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-8668

Abstract

Abstract: The present study proposed two models (visual and mathematical) to determine the three phases of "U"-pacing profile during a cycling time trial. The reliability of visual model was tested and models were compared. Fifteen cyclists performed a maximal incremental test and two 4-km TT. For the visual model, four experienced evaluators analysed twice the pacing, seven days apart. The mathematical model consisted on the mean of power output during phase 2 (1- until 3 km) plus two standard deviations, to distinguish phase 2 change points between phases 1 (CP1) and 3 (CP2). The CP1 occurred at 419 ± 186 and 415 ± 178 m for visual and mathematical model and CP2 occurred at 3646 ± 228 and 3809 ± 213 m, respectively. There was no difference between models for both CP ( p <0.05). The within-evaluator visual model reliability for CP1 was ICC >0.87 and CP2 was ICC >0.96 ( p <0.05), and between-evaluator reliability was ICC > 0.89 ( p <0.05). Bland–Altman plots showed agreement between models, most the difference was <5%. The visual and mathematical models are reliable and produce similar values for determining main phases of the "U"-pacing profile during a cycling TT.