Gross efficiency and cycling performance: a brief review
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2012, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Efficiency, the ratio of work generated to the total metabolic energy cost, has been suggested to be a key determinant of endurance cycling performance. The purpose of this brief review is to evaluate the influence of gross efficiency on cycling power output and to consider whether or not gross efficiency can be modified. In a re-analysis of data from five separate studies, variation in gross efficiency explained ~30% of the variation in power output during cycling time-trials. Whilst other variables, notably VO2max and lactate threshold, have been shown to explain more of the variance in cycling power output, these results confirm the important influence of gross efficiency. Case study, cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention research designs have all been used to demonstrate that exercise training can enhance gross efficiency. Whilst improvements have been seen with a wide range of training types (endurance, strength, altitude), it would appear that high intensity training is the most potent stimulus for changes in gross efficiency. In addition to physiological adaptations, gross efficiency might also be improved through biomechanical adaptations. However, ‘intuitive’ technique and equipment adjustments may not always be effective. For example, whilst ‘pedalling in circles’ allows pedalling to become mechanically more effective, this technique does not result in short term improvements in gross efficiency.
Authors and Affiliations
Simon A Jobson*| Department of Sports Studies, University of Winchester, Hampshire, England., James G Hopker| Centre for Sports Studies, University of Kent, Kent, England., Thomas Korff| School of Sport and Education, Brunel University, Middlesex, England., Louis Passfield| Centre for Sports Studies, University of Kent, Kent, England.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2799
- DOI -
- Views 521
- Downloads 29
Laboratory predictors of uphill cycling time trial performance
Background: A field test which can be easily integrated into the training routine of cyclists to monitor performance changes is valuable. It has been demonstrated that when performing a 20-min outdoor time trial (TT), cy...
Torso and facial/head pre-cooling and anaerobic cycling performance in a hot and humid environment
It has been demonstrated that cooling athletes before (pre-cooling) enabled a higher level of power output developed during exercise (Tyler et al., 2015, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47, 7-13), increased thermal c...
O2score device: analysis of the kinetics of recovery after exercise
The O2Score system was recently developed as a mobile device able to measure the quantity of antioxidants in the body. Since the quantity of antioxidants is modified during effort (to provide a defense system against fre...
Validity of using functional threshold power and intermittent power to predict cross-country mountain bike race outcome
Validity of using functional threshold power and intermittent power to predict cross-country mountain bike race outcome. Purpose: Field tests are important for athletes and sport practitioners as they offer valuable in...
Comparison of physiological and perceptual responses to a maximal exhaustive test performed on the SRM and the Cyclus2 ergometer
Background: No cycle ergometer perfectly replicates the physiological demands and movement patterns associated with real world cycling (Abbiss et al., 2009: International Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(2), 107-112). The...