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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-06-2014 | Original Article

A single-session testing protocol to determine critical power and W′

Authors: Keren Constantini, Surendran Sabapathy, Troy J. Cross

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Critical power (CP), and the finite capacity to perform work above CP (W′), can be determined using a 3-min “all-out” cycling test (3MT). This protocol requires two laboratory visits: an incremental exercise test, followed by a 3MT on a separate day. The purpose of this study was to establish whether an incremental exercise test and a 3MT performed during a single laboratory visit can be used to accurately determine CP and W′.

Methods

Twelve participants completed two experimental protocols: (1) Combined protocol: an incremental exercise test followed by a 3MT, with 20 min of recovery between exercise bouts; and (2) Independent protocol: the conventional 3MT protocol, performed on a separate day.

Results

CP determined from the Combined (254 ± 117 W) and Independent (256 ± 118 W) protocols were not different (p = 0.40). Similarly, W′ was not different (p = 0.96) between the Combined (13.7 ± 3.9 kJ) and Independent (13.7 ± 4.5 kJ) protocols. Linear regression revealed a strong level of measurement agreement between the protocols for CP and W′, evidenced by high R ² values (≥0.85) and marginal standard errors of the estimates (CP = 5 W; W′ = 1.81 kJ).

Conclusion

A Combined protocol, consisting of an incremental exercise test followed by a 3MT, provides an accurate and valid method to determine an individual’s CP and, to a lesser extent, W′. Furthermore, this protocol permits the measurement of the gas-exchange threshold and peak O₂ uptake and, consequently, the moderate, heavy, and severe exercise-intensity domains may be defined within a single exercise-testing session.

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Title: A single-session testing protocol to determine critical power and W′
Authors: Keren Constantini
Surendran Sabapathy
Troy J. Cross
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2827-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A single-session testing protocol to determine critical power and W′

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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