Comparison of condensed versus noncondensed cycling test methods and correlation to a 185 minutes’ indoor race simulation

Abstract

Background: The validity of a currently used condensed indoor test protocols (C-TP) as measurement of competitive cycling performance is questioned. Purpose: C-TP contain testing of wattage at lactate threshold (LTW), maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), performed consecutively during one session. As comparison these tests were separated and performed individually over three consecutive days, giving a non-condensed test protocol (NC-TP). The results were compared to a 5min all-out cycling test (5min all-out) performed individually and as part of a 185 minutes’ race simulation. Method: During 4 weeks, 12 recreational active male cyclists (VO2peak 54.8 ± 3.62 ml · kg ̄ ¹ · min ̄ ¹) completed 6 independent visits at a physiological laboratory involving testing of separate duration and intensity. Results: The only significant differences between C-TP and NC-TP was found in the variables VO2PPO (360 vs. 379.4 watts), WAnT peak (1028.1 vs. 1046.8 watts) and WAnT mean (675.7 vs. 702 watts). Additionally, LTW (r= .72) and VO2PPO (r= .70) measured during the C-TP was strongly correlated with the results in the 5min all-out cycling test as part of the race simulation. WAnT peak and mean results showed high correlation of the C-, NC- and RS- TPs. LTW and VO2PPO from a C-TP was positively correlated with the 5-min all-out as part of RS. Conclusion: This study supports the use of the C-TP in testing of cyclists at an indoor laboratory. NC-TP added minimal additional information relevant to competitive cycling performance. Key words. Laboratory, measurements, road, endurance, competition