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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 20-09-2022 | Original Article

Prolonged cycling reduces power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition

Authors: Julian D. Stevenson, Andrew E. Kilding, Daniel J. Plews, Ed Maunder

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2022

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the effect of prolonged exercise on moderate-to-heavy intensity transition power output and heart rate.

Methods

Fourteen endurance-trained cyclists and triathletes took part in the present investigation (13 males, 1 female, V·O₂peak 59.9 ± 6.8 mL^.kg^−1.min⁻¹). Following a characterisation trial, participants undertook a five-stage incremental step test to determine the power output and heart rate at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition before and after two hours of cycling at 90% of the estimated power output at first ventilatory threshold (VT₁).

Results

Power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition significantly decreased following acute prolonged exercise when determined using expired gases (VT₁, 217 ± 42 W vs. 196 ± 42 W, P < 0.0001) and blood lactate concentrations (LoglogLT, 212 ± 47 W vs. 190 ± 47 W, P = 0.004). This was attributable to loss of efficiency (VT₁, -8 ± 10 W; LoglogLT, − 7 ± 9 W) and rates of metabolic energy expenditure at the transition (VT₁, − 14 ± 11 W; LoglogLT, − 15 ± 22 W). The heart rate associated with the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition increased following acute prolonged exercise (VT_1, 142 ± 9 beats^.min⁻¹ vs. 151 ± 12 beats^.min⁻¹, P < 0.001; LoglogLT, 140 ± 13 beats^.min⁻¹ vs. 150 ± 15 beats^.min⁻¹, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the external work output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition decreases during prolonged exercise due to decreased efficiency and rates of metabolic energy expenditure, but the associated heart rate increases. Therefore, individual assessments of athlete ‘durability’ are warranted.

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Title: Prolonged cycling reduces power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition
Authors: Julian D. Stevenson
Andrew E. Kilding
Daniel J. Plews
Ed Maunder
Publication date: 20-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2022
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-05036-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prolonged cycling reduces power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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