Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(7): 583-592
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830335
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of a Previous Sprint on the Parameters of the Work-Time to Exhaustion Relationship in High Intensity Cycling

R. A. P. Heubert1 , V. L. Billat1 , 2 , P. Chassaing1 , V. Bocquet1 , R. H. Morton3 , J. P. Koralsztein1 , P. E. di Prampero4
  • 1Centre de médecine du sport CCAS, Paris, France
  • 2Département STAPS. Université Evry, Val d'Essonne, Evry, France
  • 3Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmarston North, New Zealand
  • 4Universita degli Studi di Udine. Dipartimento di scienze e tecnologie biomediche, Udine, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: July 28, 2004

Publication Date:
26 November 2004 (online)

Abstract

The relationships between both metabolic (E) and mechanical (W) energy expended and exhaustion time (te), was determined for 11 well-trained subjects during constant load cycloergometric exercises at 95, 100, 110, 115 % maximal aerobic power performed both from rest and, without interruption, after an all-out sprint of 7 s. These relationships were well described by straight lines: y = a + bte, where b was taken as the critical power (metabolic and mechanical) that can be sustained for long periods of time. b was unaffected by the exercise conditions and amounted to 82 - 94 % of maximal aerobic metabolic and mechanical power. The constant a was taken as the anaerobic stores capacity in excess of the O2 deficit. When the test was preceded by the sprint, a (metabolic and mechanical) was reduced to about 60 - 70 % of control values. This reduction was essentially equal to the corresponding E and W output during the sprint. These data support the view that the slope of linear regressions of E and W on te is indeed a measure of the critical power, whereas the y intercept of these same regressions is a measure of the anaerobic capacity.

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Richard A. P. Heubert

Centre de médecine du sport CCAS

2 avenue Richerand

75010 Paris

France

Phone: + 33142014629

Fax: + 33 1 42 39 20 83

Email: r_heubert@yahoo.fr

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