Influence of upright versus time trial cycling position on determination of critical power and W′ in trained cyclists

Abstract

Body position is known to alter power production and affect cycling performance. The aim of this study was to compare mechanical power output in two riding positions, and to calculate the effects on critical power (CP) and W' estimates. Seven trained cyclists completed three peak power output efforts and three fixed-duration trial (3-, 5- and 12-min) riding with their hands on the brake lever hoods (BLH), or in a time trial position (TTP). A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that mean power output during the 5-min trial was significantly different between BLH and TTP positions, resulting in a significantly lower estimate of CP, but not W', for the TTP trial. In addition, TTP decreased the performance during each trial and increased the percentage difference between BLH and TTP with greater trial duration. There were no differences in pedal cadence or heart rate during the 3-min trial; however, TTP results for the 12-min trial showed a significant fall in pedal cadence and a significant rise in heart rate. The findings suggest that cycling position affects power output and influences consequent CP values. Therefore, cyclists and coaches should consider the cycling position used when calculating CP.

Power profiling and the power-duration relationship in cycling: a narrative review

“…Cadence, body position as well as topography, i.e. level ground or uphill conditions, have also been shown to influence model parameter estimates due to different biomechanical recruitment patterns (Bertucci et al 2005 ; Kordi et al 2019 ; Nimmerichter et al 2012 ). Therefore, rider specialization (for example climber vs. time trial specialist) and race demands (uphill vs. flat, on-road vs. off-road, etc.)…”

“…Based on the current literature and the authors’ experience conducting power profiling in applied settings, the following recommendations can be made as a starting point for coaches and practitioners: to derive the parameters to model a power-duration curve a formal test protocol should include one sprint effort (i.e. ~ 10–15 s) and at least three maximum efforts between 2 and 15 min (Karsten et al 2015 ; Leo et al 2021a ; Muniz-Pumares et al 2019 ; Sanders and Heijboer 2019b ). These efforts can be completed in a single testing session, though it is recommended to divide field testing into two sessions over two consecutive days.…”

Influence of corners and road conditions on cycling individual time trial performance and ‘optimal’ pacing strategy: A simulation study

“…In this simulation study, some important real-world factors have not been considered. For example, it is well known that riding position can greatly affect power delivery abilities (in terms of critical power 42 ) and frontal area. 43 Usually (unpublished observation) riders stand out from the saddle when delivering high power output values and they typically ride on the hoods when they need to brake.…”

The Effect of Upper-Body Positioning on the Aerodynamic–Physiological Economy of Time-Trial Cycling

“…It has been demonstrated that by moving from riding on the hoods of the handlebars, to a time trial position, a rider's CP is reduced. 7 This reduction in CP is likely multifactorial and related to changes in oxygen consumption, muscle blood flow, muscle activation and gross efficiency. [8][9][10][11] For example, a lower hip angle may result in a reduction in muscle activity, 9 and subsequently power output 4 , in the lower limb owing to an alteration in the length tension relationship during the pedal cycle 9 .…”