Allometric scaling of peak power output accurately predicts time trial performance and maximal oxygen consumption in trained cyclists. Issue 1 (4th August 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lamberts, Robert P; Lambert, Michael I; Swart, Jeroen; Noakes, Timothy D
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 46:Issue 1(2012)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2011-08-04
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2010.083071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if peak power output (PPO) adjusted for body mass 0.32 is able to accurately predict 40-km time trial (40-km TT) performance. Methods: 45 trained male cyclists completed after familiarisation, a PPO test including respiratory gas analysis, and a 40-km TT. PPO, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max ) and 40-km TT time were measured. Relationships between 40-km TT performance and (I) absolute PPO (W) and VO2max (l/min), (II) relative PPO (W/kg) and VO2max (ml/min/kg) and (III) PPO and VO2max adjusted for body mass (W/kg 0.32 and ml/min/kg 0.32, respectively) were studied. Results: The continuous ramp protocol resulted in a similar relationship between PPO and VO2max (r=0.96, p<0.0001) compared with a stepwise testing protocol but was associated with a lower standard error of the estimated when predicting VO2max . PPO adjusted for body mass (W/kg 0.32 ) had the strongest relationship with 40-km TT performance (s) (r=−0.96, p<0.0001). Although significant relationships were also found between absolute (W) and/or relative PPO (W/kg) and 40-km TT performance (s), these relationships were significantly weaker than the relationship between 40-km TT performance and PPO adjusted for body mass (W/kg 0.32 ) (p<0.0001). Conclusions: VO2max can be accurately predicted from PPO when using a continuous ramp protocol, possibly even more accurately than when using a stepwise testing protocol. 40-km TT performance (s) in trained cyclists can be predicted most accurately by PPO adjusted for body mass (W/kg 0.32 ). As both VO2max and 40-km TT performance can be accurately predicted from a PPO test, this suggests that (well)-trained cyclists can possibly be monitored more frequently and with fewer tests.