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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(12): 845-850
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237712
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of Training on Gross Efficiency in Cycling: A Review

J. Hopker1 , L. Passfield1 , D. Coleman2 , S. Jobson1 , L. Edwards3 , H. Carter4
  • 1Centre for Sport Studies, University of Kent, England
  • 2Department of Sports Science, Leisure and Tourism, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, England
  • 3Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, England
  • 4Chelsea School, University of Brighton, England
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision July 20, 2009

Publication Date:
25 November 2009 (online)

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Abstract

There has been much debate in the recent scientific literature regarding the possible ability to increase gross efficiency in cycling via training. Using cross-sectional study designs, researchers have demonstrated no significant differences in gross efficiency between trained and untrained cyclists. Reviewing this literature provides evidence to suggest that methodological inadequacies may have played a crucial role in the conclusions drawn from the majority of these studies. We present an overview of these studies and their relative shortcomings and conclude that in well-controlled and rigorously designed studies, training has a positive influence upon gross efficiency. Putative mechanisms for the increase in gross efficiency as a result of training include, muscle fibre type transformation, changes to muscle fibre shortening velocities and changes within the mitochondria. However, the specific mechanisms by which training improves gross efficiency and their impact on cycling performance remain to be determined.

Key words

endurance training - economy - cycling - delta efficiency

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Correspondence

Dr. James Hopker

Centre for Sport Studies

University of Kent

Chatham Maritime

Kent

ME4 4AG

Phone: +44/1634/88 88 14

Fax: +44/1634/88 88 09

Email: j.g.hopker@kent.ac.uk

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