Field-Derived Maximal Power Output in Cycling: An Accurate Indicator of Maximal Performance Capacity?

  1. Jesús G. Pallares 1
  2. Alejandro Hernández-Belmonte 1
  3. Pedro L. Valenzuela 2
  4. Xabier Muriel 1
  5. Manuel Mateo-March 34
  6. David Barranco-Gil 4
  7. Alejandro Lucia 24
  1. 1 Universidad de Murcia
    info

    Universidad de Murcia

    Murcia, España

    ROR https://ror.org/03p3aeb86

  2. 2 Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre
    info

    Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre

    Madrid, España

    ROR https://ror.org/00qyh5r35

  3. 3 Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche
    info

    Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche

    Elche, España

    ROR https://ror.org/01azzms13

  4. 4 Universidad Europea de Madrid
    info

    Universidad Europea de Madrid

    Madrid, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04dp46240

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Revista:
International journal of sports physiology and performance

ISSN: 1555-0273

Año de publicación: 2022

Tipo: Artículo

DOI: 10.1123/IJSPP.2022-0208 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openAcceso abierto editor

Otras publicaciones en: International journal of sports physiology and performance

Resumen

Purpose: To determine the validity of field-derived mean maximum power (MMP) values for monitoring maximal cycling endurance performance.Methods: Twenty-seven male professional cyclists performed 3 timed trials (TTs) of 1-, 5-, and 20-minute duration that were used as the gold standard reference. Field-based power output data (3336 files; 124 [25] per cyclist) were registered during the preparatory (60 d pre-TT, including training data only) and specific period of the season (60 d post-TT, including both training and competitions). Comparisons were made between TT performance (mean power output) and MMP values obtained for efforts of the same duration as TT (MMP of 1-, 5-, and 20-min duration). The authors also compared TT- and MMP-derived values of critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity.Results: A large correlation (P < .001, r > .65) was found between MMP and TT performance regardless of the effort duration or season period. However, considerable differences (P < .05, standard error of measurement [SEM] > 5%) were found between MMP and TT values for all effort durations in the preparatory period, as well as for the derived CP and anaerobic work capacity. Significant differences were also found between MMP and TT of 1 minute in the specific period, as well as for anaerobic work capacity, yet with no differences for MMP of 5- and 20-minute duration or the derived CP (P > .05, SEM < 5%).Conclusion: MMP values (for efforts ≥5 min) and the associated CP obtained from both training sessions and competitions can be considered overall accurate indicators of the cyclist's maximal capabilities, but specific tests might be necessary for shorter efforts or when considering training sessions only.

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