John Murray1, Michael McCRUDDEN1, Juan M Murias2, Volker Nolte1, Glen R Belfry3. 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. 2. Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, School of Kinesiology, London, ON, Canada. 3. Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada - gbelfry@uwo.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study compared an all-out start (AO) to a constant power start strategy (CON) during a 6 min cycle performance on utilization of W´ (energy above critical power [CP]), muscle deoxygenation (HHb), oxygen uptake (VO2) and performance in recreationally active individuals. The AO strategy was similar to that employed by rowers. METHODS: Eight healthy males (age =24±3 y) completed a ramp test to fatigue (VO2peak =4.42±0.54 L∙min-1; peak power =385±35 W) and a 3-min all-out test to determine CP and the CON work rate. The AO strategy began with a 12 s sprint, followed by 258 s at 5%<CON. The CON work rate was calculated as CP*W +(W´J/360 s) and performed for the initial 270 s of the ride. Both groups increased their effort, in 30 s intervals, over the last 90 s of each trial. The last 30 s was a sprint. RESULTS: Total W´ utilized was higher during CON vs. AO (18,109±5439 J vs. 13,754±3543 J, P<0.05). The HHb/VO2 ratio reflected a duration mismatch between O2 provision to O2 utilization during CON compared to AO (118 s vs. 58 s, P<0.05). Mean work rate was higher in CON compared to AO (315±21 W vs. 302±64 W, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CON yielded a greater utilization of W´ and a higher mean work rate compared to AO during a traditional rowing stratagem during a 6-min cycle performance in recreationally active individuals.
BACKGROUND: This study compared an all-out start (AO) to a constant power start strategy (CON) during a 6 min cycle performance on utilization of W´ (energy above critical power [CP]), muscle deoxygenation (HHb), oxygen uptake (VO2) and performance in recreationally active individuals. The AO strategy was similar to that employed by rowers. METHODS: Eight healthy males (age =24±3 y) completed a ramp test to fatigue (VO2peak =4.42±0.54 L∙min-1; peak power =385±35 W) and a 3-min all-out test to determine CP and the CON work rate. The AO strategy began with a 12 s sprint, followed by 258 s at 5%<CON. The CON work rate was calculated as CP*W +(W´J/360 s) and performed for the initial 270 s of the ride. Both groups increased their effort, in 30 s intervals, over the last 90 s of each trial. The last 30 s was a sprint. RESULTS: Total W´ utilized was higher during CON vs. AO (18,109±5439 J vs. 13,754±3543 J, P<0.05). The HHb/VO2 ratio reflected a duration mismatch between O2 provision to O2 utilization during CON compared to AO (118 s vs. 58 s, P<0.05). Mean work rate was higher in CON compared to AO (315±21 W vs. 302±64 W, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CON yielded a greater utilization of W´ and a higher mean work rate compared to AO during a traditional rowing stratagem during a 6-min cycle performance in recreationally active individuals.