Cycling Power Outputs Predict Functional Threshold Power and Maximum Oxygen Uptake. Issue 12 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denham, Joshua; Scott-Hamilton, John; Hagstrom, Amanda D.; Gray, Adrian J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of strength and conditioning research. Volume 34:Issue 12(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: cardiorespiratory fitness -- anaerobic power -- endurance training -- FTP -- sprint interval training -- high-intensity interval training; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Weight training -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Physical fitness -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-8011

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Denham, J, Scott-Hamilton, J, Hagstrom, AD, and Gray, AJ. Cycling power outputs predict functional threshold power and maximum oxygen uptake. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3489–3497, 2020—Functional threshold power (FTP) has emerged as a correlate of lactate threshold and is commonly assessed by recreational and professional cyclists for tailored exercise programing. To identify whether results from traditional aerobic and anaerobic cycling tests could predict FTP and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max, we analyzed the association between estimated FTP, maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max [ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ]) and power outputs obtained from a maximal cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a 30-second Wingate test in a heterogeneous cohort of cycle-trained and untrained individuals ( N = 40, mean ± SD ; age: 32.6 ± 10.6 years; relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max: 46.8 ± 9.1 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ). The accuracy and sensitivity of the prediction equations were also assessed in young men ( N = 11) before and after a 6-week sprint interval training intervention. Moderate-to-strong positive correlations were observed between FTP, relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max, and power outputs achieved during incremental and 30-second Wingate cycling tests ( r = 0.39–0.965, all p ⩽ .05). Whilst maximum power achieved during incremental cycle testing (Pmax) and relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max were predictors of FTP ( r 2 = 0.93), age and FTP (W·kg −1 ) estimated relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max ( r 2 = 0.80). Our findings confirm that FTP predominantly relies on aerobic metabolism and indicate that both prediction models are sensitive enough to detect meaningful exercise-induced changes in FTP and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max. Thus, coaches should consider limiting the time and load demands placed on athletes by conducting a maximal cycle ergometry CPET to estimate FTP. In addition, a 20-minute FTP test is a convenient method to assess V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max and is particularly relevant for exercise professionals without access to expensive CPET equipment.