The purpose of this investigation was to determine the time course and magnitude of
learning effects associated with repeated maximum cycling power tests and to determine
if cycle-trained men exhibit different learning effects than active men who are not
cycle-trained. Cycle-trained (N = 13) and active men (N = 35) performed short maximal
cycling bouts 4 times per day for 4 consecutive days. Inertial load cycle ergometry
was used to measure maximum power and pedaling rate at maximum power. Maximum power
of the cycle-trained men did not differ across days or bouts. Maximum power of the
active men increased 7 % within the first day and 7 % from the mean of day one to
day three. Pedaling rate at maximum power did not differ across days or bouts in either
the cycle-trained or active men. These results demonstrate that valid and reliable
results for maximum cycling power can be obtained from cycle-trained men in a single
day, whereas active men require at least 2 days of practice in order to produce valid
and reliable values.
Skeletal muscle, exercise test, validity, reliability.
