Cycling Power Outputs Predict Functional Threshold Power and Maximum Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

Functional threshold power (FTP) has emerged as a correlate of lactate threshold and is commonly assessed by recreational and professional cyclists for tailored exercise programing. To identify whether results from traditional aerobic and anaerobic cycling tests could predict FTP and V˙ O2max, we analysed the association between estimated FTP, maximum oxygen uptake (V˙ O2max [mlkgmin]) and power outputs obtained from a maximal cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and a 30-s Wingate test in a heterogeneous cohort of cycle-trained and untrained individuals (N=40, mean±SD; age: 32.6±10.6 y; relative V˙ O2max: 46.8±9.1 mlkgmin). The accuracy and sensitivity of the prediction equations was also assessed in young men (N=11) before and after a 6-wk sprint interval training intervention.Moderate to strong positive correlations were observed between FTP, relative V˙ O2max and power outputs achieved during incremental and 30-s Wingate cycling tests (r=.39-.965, all P<.05). While maximum power achieved during incremental cycle testing (Pmax) and relative V˙ O2max were predictors of FTP (r =.93), age and FTP (Wkg) estimated relative V˙ O2max (r=.80). Our findings confirm that FTP predominantly relies on aerobic metabolism and indicate both prediction models are sensitive enough to detect meaningful exercise-induced changes in FTP and V˙ O2max. Thus, coaches should consider limiting the time and load demands placed on athletes by conducting a maximal cycle ergometry CPET to estimate FTP. Additionally, a 20-min FTP test is a convenient method to assess V˙ O2max and is particularly relevant for exercise professionals without access to expensive CPET equipment.

Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses

“…Even though TTE performance at FTP 20 fell within the expected range, the interindividual variability was higher (50.9 ± 15.7 min) than typically found at MLSS (55.0 ± 8.5 min [3] or 54.7 ± 10.9 min [15]). Researchers have investigated FTP predic- tive ability in diverse ways [11,14,21,25]. Although some acknowledge interindividual differences in the applicability of these tests [14,25], we feel that the exact meaning of FTP as a performance variable has not been established yet.…”

“…These contrasting results might be explained by the use of fixed blood lactate concentrations, because they poorly reflect interindividual differences in lactate kinetics [13]. Surprisingly, no study has thoroughly investigated the validity of the FTP 20 concept, despite its use as a predictor of cycling performance [21] or as a predictable variable [11]. Specifically, no study has compared FTP against the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT).…”

Road cycle TT performance: Relationship to the power-duration model and association with FTP

“…However, despite recent research reporting correlations between FTP (derived from the 20min TT) and V O2 max (Denham, Scott-Hamilton, Hagstrom, & Gray, 2017) and the socalled individual 'anaerobic threshold' (Borszcz, Tramontin, Bossi, Carminatti, & Costa, 2018), there is little evidence to support the physiological underpinnings of the FTP and no previous work has established its ability to predict performance.…”

Small non-coding RNAs are altered by short-term sprint interval training in men

“…The study procedures and training methods have been outlined elsewhere (Denham et al. ,b). For the 6‐week training study, ten untrained individuals were recruited and completed SIT, three times a week on cycle ergometers.…”