Effects of Starting Strategy on 5-min Cycling Time-Trial Performance

Document Type

Journal Article

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research

RAS ID

8033

Comments

Aisbett, B., Le Rossignol, P., McConell, G. K., Abbiss, C. R., & Snow, R. (2009). Effects of starting strategy on 5-min cycling time-trial performance. Journal of sports sciences, 27(11), 1201-1209. Available here

Abstract

The importance of pacing for middle-distance performance is well recognized, yet previous research has produced equivocal results. Twenty-six trained male cyclists ([Vdot]O2peak 62.8 ± 5.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1; maximal aerobic power output 340 ± 43 W; mean ± s) performed three cycling time-trials where the total external work (102.7 ± 13.7 kJ) for each trial was identical to the best of two 5-min habituation trials. Markers of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism were assessed in 12 participants. Power output during the first quarter of the time-trials was fixed to control external mechanical work done (25.7 ± 3.4 kJ) and induce fast-, even-, and slow-starting strategies (60, 75, and 90 s, respectively). Finishing times for the fast-start time-trial (4:53 ± 0:11 min:s) were shorter than for the even-start (5:04 ± 0:11 min:s; 95% CI = 5 to 18 s, effect size = 0.65, P < 0.001) and slow-start time-trial (5:09 ± 0:11 min:s; 95% CI = 7 to 24 s, effect size = 1.00, P < 0.001). Mean [Vdot]O2 during the fast-start trials (4.31 ± 0.51 litres · min−1) was 0.18 ± 0.19 litres · min−1 (95% CI = 0.07 to 0.30 litres · min−1, effect size = 0.94, P = 0.003) higher than the even- and 0.18 ± 0.20 litres · min−1 (95% CI = 0.5 to 0.30 litres · min−1, effect size = 0.86, P = 0.007) higher than the slow-start time-trial. Oxygen deficit was greatest during the first quarter of the fast-start trial but was lower than the even- and slow-start trials during the second quarter of the trial. Blood lactate and pH were similar between the three trials. In conclusion, performance during a 5-min cycling time-trial was improved with the adoption of a fast- rather than an even- or slow-starting strategy.

DOI

10.1080/02640410903114372

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1080/02640410903114372