Top

Published in:

01-01-2007 | Original Article

Constant versus variable-intensity during cycling: effects on subsequent running performance

Authors: Thierry Bernard, Fabrice Vercruyssen, Cyrille Mazure, Philippe Gorce, Christophe Hausswirth, Jeanick Brisswalter

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic responses to variable versus constant-intensity (CI) during 20-km cycling on subsequent 5-km running performance. Ten triathletes, not only completed one incremental cycling test to determine maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic power (MAP), but also three various cycle-run (C–R) combinations conducted in outdoor conditions. During the C–R sessions, subjects performed first a 20-km cycle-time trial with a freely chosen intensity (FCI, ∼80% MAP) followed by a 5-km run performance. Subsequently, triathletes were required to perform in a random order, two C–R sessions including either a CI, corresponding to the mean power of FCI ride, or a variable-intensity (VI) during cycling with power changes ranging from 68 to 92% MAP, followed immediately by a 5-km run. Metabolic responses and performances were measured during the C–R sessions. Running performance was significantly improved after CI ride (1118 ± 72 s) compared to those after FCI ride (1134 ± 64 s) or VI ride (1168 ± 73 s) despite similar metabolic responses and performances reported during the three cycling bouts. Moreover, metabolic variables were not significantly different between the run sessions in our triathletes. Given the lack of significant differences in metabolic responses between the C–R sessions, the improvement in running time after FCI and CI rides compared to VI ride suggests that other mechanisms, such as changes in neuromuscular activity of peripheral skeletal muscle or muscle fatigue, probably contribute to the influence of power output variation on subsequent running performance.

Atkinson G, Davison R, Jeukendrup A, Passfield L (2003) Science and cycling: current knowledge and future directions for research. J Sports Sci 21:767–787PubMedCrossRef

Bentley DJ, Millet GP, Vleck VE, MacNaughton LR (2002) Specific aspects of contempory triathlon. Sports Med 32:1–15CrossRef

Bernard T, Vercruyssen F, Grego F, Hausswirth C, Lepers R, Vallier JM, Brisswalter J (2003) Effect of cycling cadence on subsequent 3-km running performance in well-trained triathletes. Br J Sports Med 37:154–159PubMedCrossRef

Bijker KE, De Groot G, Hollander AP (2002) Differences in leg muscle activity during running and cycling in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 87:165–170

Bishop D, Bonetti D, Dawson B (2002) The influence of pacing strategy on \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2}\) and supramaximal kayak performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 34:1041–1047PubMedCrossRef

Borg GA (1970) Perceived exertion as an indicator of somatic stress. Scand J Rehabil Med 2:92–98PubMed

Borrani F, Candau R, Millet GY, Perrey S, Fuchslocher J, Rouillon JD (2001) Is the \(\dot{V}\hbox{O}_{2}\) slow component dependent on progressive recruitment of fast-twitch fibers in trained runners? J Appl Physiol 90:2212–2220PubMed

Brandon LJ (1995) Physiological factors associated with middle distance running performance. Sports Med 95:268–277CrossRef

Citerrio G, Agostini E (1984) Selective activation of quadriceps muscle fibers according to bicycling rate. J Appl Physiol 57:371–379

Duc S, Betik AC, Grappe F (2005) EMG activity does not change during a time trial in competitive cyclists. Int J Sports Med 26:145–150PubMedCrossRef

Gottschall JS, Palmer BM (2002) The acute effects of prior cycling cadence on running performance and kinematics. Med Sci Sports Exerc 34:1518–1522PubMedCrossRef

Hausswirth C, Lehenaff D, Dreano P, Savonen K (1999) Effects of cycling alone or in a sheltered position on subsequent running performance during a triathlon. Med Sci Sports Exerc 31:599–604PubMedCrossRef

Hausswirth C, Vallier JM, Lehenafff D, Brisswalter J, Smith D, Millet G, Dreano P (2001) Effect of two drafting modalities in cycling on running performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33:385–390

Jones SM, Passfield L (1998) The dynamic calibration of bicycle power measuring cranks. In: Haake Sj (ed) The engineering of sport. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 265–274

Lepers R, Millet GY, Maffiuletti N (2001) Effect of cycling cadence on contractile and neural properties of knee extensors. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33:1882–1888PubMed

Lepers R, Maffiuletti N, Rochette L, Brugniaux J, Millet GY (2002) Neuromuscular fatigue during a long-duration cycling exercise. J Appl Physiol 92:1487–1493PubMed

Liedl MA, David PS, Branchi JD (1999) Physiological effects of constant versus variable power during endurance cycling. Med Sci Sports Exerc 31:1472–1477PubMedCrossRef

MacLaughlin JE, King GA, Howley ET, Basset DR, Ainsworth Jr BE (2001) Validation of Cosmed K4b² portable metabolic system. Int J Sports Med 22:280–284CrossRef

Marsh AP, Martin PE (1995) The relationship between cadence and lower extremity EMG in cyclists and noncyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 27:217–225PubMed

Noakes TD, St Clair Gibson A, Lambert EV (2004) From catastrophe to complexity: a novel model of integrative central neural regulation of effort and fatigue during exercise in humans: summary and conclusions. Br J Sports Med 39:120–124CrossRef

Nummela AT, Paavolainen LM, Sharwood KA, Lambert MI, Noakes TD, Rusko HK (2006) Neuromuscular factors determining 5 km running performance and running economy in well-trained athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 97:1–8PubMedCrossRef

Paavolainen L, Nummela A, Rusko H, Hakkinen K (1999) Neuromuscular characteristics and fatigue during 10 km running. Int J Sports Med 20:516–521PubMedCrossRef

Palmer GS, Noakes T, Hawley JA (1997) Effects of steady-state versus stochastic exercise on subsequent cycling performance. Med Sci Sport Exerc 29:684–687

Palmer GS, Borghouts LB, Noakes T, Hawley JA (1999) Metabolic and performance responses to constant-load vs. variable-intensity exercise in trained cyclists. J Appl Physiol 87:1186–1196PubMed

Perrey S, Candau R, Millet GY, Borrani F, Rouillon JD (2003) Physiological and metabolic responses of triathletes to a simulated 30-min time-trial in cycling at self-selected intensity. Int J Sports Med 24:138–143PubMedCrossRef

Pyne DB, Boston T, Martin DT, Logan A (2000) Evaluation of the lactate pro blood lactate analyser. Eur J Appl Physiol 82:112–116PubMedCrossRef

Ramsay RL, Davies PD, Sharp NCC (2001) The effect of variable power output during cycling on subsequent run performance in triathletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33S:S341CrossRef

Sarre G, Lepers R (2005) Neuromuscular function during prolonged pedalling exercise at different cadences. Acta Physiol Scand 185(4):321–328PubMedCrossRef

StClair Gibson A, Noakes TD (2004) Evidence for complex system integration and dynamic neural regulation of skeletal muscle recruitment during exercise in humans. Br J Sports Med 38:797–806CrossRef

StClair Gibson A, Schabort EJ, Noakes TD (2001) Reduced neuromuscular activity and force generation during prolonged cycling. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 281:R187–R196

Swain DP (1997) A model for optimizing cycling performance by varying power on hills and in wind. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29:1104–1108PubMed

Takaishi T, Yamamoto T, Ono TY, Moritani T (1996) Optimal pedaling rate estimated from neuromuscular fatigue for cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 28:1492–1497PubMed

Vercruyssen F, Brisswalter J, Hausswirth C, Bernard T, Bernard O, Vallier JM (2002) Influence of cycling cadence on subsequent running performance in triathletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 34:530–536PubMedCrossRef

Vercruyssen F, Suriano R, Bishop D, Hausswirth C, Brisswalter J (2005) Cadence selection affects metabolic responses during cycling and subsequent running time to fatigue. Br J Sports Med 39:267–272PubMedCrossRef

Title: Constant versus variable-intensity during cycling: effects on subsequent running performance
Authors: Thierry Bernard
Fabrice Vercruyssen
Cyrille Mazure
Philippe Gorce
Christophe Hausswirth
Jeanick Brisswalter
Publication date: 01-01-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0321-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Constant versus variable-intensity during cycling: effects on subsequent running performance

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 2/2007

Attenuation of muscle damage by preconditioning with muscle hyperthermia 1-day prior to eccentric exercise

Effects of glutamine and hyperoxia on pulmonary oxygen uptake and muscle deoxygenation kinetics

The effects of marathon running on expression of the complement regulatory proteins CD55 (DAF) and CD59 (MACIF) on red blood cells

Assessment of energy demand in Laser sailing: influences of exercise duration and performance level

Potassium kinetics and its relationship with ventilation during repeated bouts of exercise in women

Causes of differences in exercise-induced changes of base excess and blood lactate