Comparison of models for the physiological estimation of internal mechanical power in cycling
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Physiological models for estimating internal mechanical power (IP) generally share a common basis: the sum of IP and the external mechanical power (EP) is equal to the total mechanical power, as represented by net VO2. While a biomechanical perspective of IP argues against this simple summation, physiological models serve a valuable purpose because they account for the total flow of energy through the system. Despite their common foundation, estimates of IP using various physiological models have not been consistent. Two pre-existing models that use a physiological approach, as well as variations of them and a simple body mass-cadence relationship, were applied to submaximal data from eight well-trained male cyclists. Three incremental cycling tests were performed at cadences of 50-55, 80-85 and 110-115 rev • min-1. Differences in the mean and limits of agreement were used to show that values of IP calculated using two previously described models were not similar at any of the cadences tested. It was also shown that using relevant energy equivalents for converting VO2 into metabolic power produced smaller values for IP than when using a generic energy equivalent. Differences in values for IP in the published literature, therefore, might not necessarily be caused by differences in participant characteristics, but rather differences in the accuracy of the variables that are input into the IP models.
Authors and Affiliations
Hedda P Brooks*| Queensland Academy of Sport, Australia.School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Australia, Mark H Andrews| Queensland Academy of Sport, Australia., Adrian J Gray| Exercise & Sports Science, School of Science & Technology, University of New England, Mark A Osborne| Queensland Academy of Sport, Australia.School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Australia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2816
- DOI -
- Views 378
- Downloads 27
The reliability and validity of the 3-minute critical power test in linear and isokinetic mode
Background: Exercise testing for cyclists provides key information when setting training and race strategies. Shorter testing protocols are favored by coaches and recently it has been suggested that critical power (CP) a...
The effects of forward rotation of posture on heavy intensity cycling: Implications of UCI rule 1.3.013
UCI rule 1.3.013 limits the forward displacement of the nose of the saddle to 5cm rearward of the centre of the bottom-bracket. This study tests the effects of contravening this rule on 4km laboratory time trials and hig...
Effects of different training protocols on the heart rate variability of trained cyclists
Background: Studies have shown that measures of HRV can be useful for monitoring the training load in cycling. However, most of these studies are observational and have not assessed the impact of cumulative days of train...
The head movements degrade the aerodynamic drag according to the time-trial duration
Effective frontal area (ACd, m2) is the main parameter opposing motion on level ground in cycling (Debraux et al. 2011). To reduce ACd, cyclists adopt a characteristic time trial (TT) position accounting for about 70 %...
Pedal force effectiveness in Cycling: a review of constraints and training effects
Pedal force effectiveness in cycling is usually measured by the ratio of force perpendicular to the crank (effective force) and total force applied to the pedal (resultant force). Most studies measuring pedal forces have...