Mechanical and morphological determinants of peak power output in elite cyclists

Kordi, Mehdi; Folland, Jonathan P.; Goodall, Stuart; Haralabidis, Nicos; Maden‐Wilkinson, Thomas M.; Patel, Tejal Sarika; Leeder, Jonathan; Barratt, Paul; Howatson, Glyn

doi:10.1111/sms.13570

Cited by 44 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Peak power output in cycling is proposed to be underpinned by muscle strength, size, and structure 3,25 . The relationship between indices of muscle function and structure is well‐established in heterogenous populations, 4,5 but less‐so in homogenous groups 1 . We hypothesized that changes in muscle function might be concurrent with changes in cycling PPO, but that changes in muscle structure were unlikely given the relatively short duration of training.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous research has observed a strong association between peak power output (PPO) and cycling speed, and ergo cycling performance 1‐3 . Implementation of appropriate training to improve PPO is therefore critical to improve sprint track cycling performance 4 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In order to positively influence cycling PPO, elite track cyclists routinely employ resistance training that is aimed at improving muscle size and strength, as these variables are associated with the ability to produce high PPO 1,4‐7 . These resistance training routines typically employ traditional multijoint isoinertial exercises such as squat and deadlift variations with heavy loads; this approach is associated with improvements in the ability to generate high levels of force and/or lift heavy external loads, particularly in the trained task.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cycling‐specific isometric resistance training improves peak power output in elite sprint cyclists

Kordi

Folland

Goodall

et al. 2020

Scandinavian Med Sci Sports

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Introduction This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6‐week cycling‐specific, isometric resistance training program on peak power output (PPO) in elite cyclists. Methods Twenty‐four elite track sprint cyclists were allocated to EXP (n = 13, PPO, 1537 ± 307 W) and CON (n = 11, PPO, 1541 ± 389 W) groups. All participants completed a 6‐week training program; training content was identical except participants in the EXP group replaced their usual compound lower body resistance training exercise with a cycling‐specific, isometric resistance training stimulus. Cycling PPO, knee extensor and cycling‐specific isometric strength, and measures of muscle architecture were assessed pre‐ and post‐training. Results In EXP, absolute and relative PPO increased (46 ± 62 W and 0.8 ± 0.7 W/kg, P < .05), and the change in relative PPO was different to CON (−0.1 ± 1.0 W/kg, group × time interaction P = .02). The increase in PPO was concurrent with an increase in extrapolated maximal torque in EXP (7.1 ± 6.5 Nm, P = .007), but the effect was not different from the change in CON (2.4 ± 9.7 Nm, group × time P = .14). Cycling‐specific isometric strength also increased more in EXP (group × time P = .002). There were no other between‐group differences in response to training. Conclusion A 6‐week novel, cycling‐specific isometric resistance training period improved PPO in a group of elite sprint cyclists by 3%‐4%. These data support the use of a cycling‐specific isometric resistance training stimulus in the preparation programs of world‐class cyclists.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cycling‐specific isometric resistance training improves peak power output in elite sprint cyclists

Kordi

Folland

Goodall

et al. 2020

Scandinavian Med Sci Sports

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“…A higher increase in the QM stiff in sprint track cyclists may indicate an adaptation to the specific-training loads (Cristi-Sánchez et al, 2019), especially due to mechanical energy transmission during cycling phases (Young et al, 2018). Moreover, Kordi et al (2020) reported a positive relationships between quadriceps muscle volume and peak power output in sprint track cyclists. The alterations in QM stiff after 200 m flying start, observed in our study could be considered by higher power-cadence and torque-cadence in sprinters, than in endurance track cyclists (Kordi et al, 2020).…”

Section: Effect Of 200 M Flying Start and 4000 M Pursuit Race On Qt mentioning

confidence: 90%

Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Thickness and Stiffness in Elite Track Cyclists: An Ultrasonographic and Myotonometric Evaluation

Klich

Ficek

Krymski³

et al. 2020

Front. Physiol.

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Track cyclists are required to perform short- and long-term efforts during sprint and endurance race events, respectively. The 200 m flying sprint races require maximal power output and anaerobic capacity, while the 4,000 m pursuit cyclists demand a high level of aerobic capacity. Our goal was to investigate spatial changes in morphological and mechanical properties displayed using 3D topographical maps of the quadriceps muscle and tendons after 200 m flying start and 4,000 m individual pursuit race in elite track cyclists. We hypothesized a non-uniform distribution of the changes in the quadriceps muscle stiffness (QMstiff), and acute alterations in quadriceps tendon (QTthick) and patellar tendon (PTthick) thickness. Fifteen men elite sprint and 15 elite men endurance track cyclists participated. Sprint track cyclists participated in a 200 m flying start, while endurance track cyclists in 4,000 m individual pursuit. Outcomes including QTthick (5–10–15 mm proximal to the upper edge of the patella), PTthick (5–10–15–20 mm inferior to the apex of the patella)—using ultrasonography evaluation, QMstiff, and quadriceps tendon stiffness (QTstiff) were measured according to anatomically defined locations (point 1–8) and patellar tendon stiffness (PTstiff)—using myotonometry, measured in a midway point between the patella distal and the tuberosity of tibial. All parameters were assessed before and after (up to 5 min) the 200 m or 4,000 m events. Sprint track cyclists had significantly larger QTthick and PTthick than endurance track cyclists. Post-hoc analysis showed significant spatial differences in QMstiff between rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis in sprint track cyclists. At before race, sprint track cyclists presented significantly higher mean QTthick and PTthick, and higher QMstiff and the QTstiff, as compared with the endurance track cyclists. The observed changes in PTThick and QTThick were mostly related to adaptation-based vascularity and hypertrophy processes. The current study suggests that assessments using both ultrasonography and myotonometry provides crucial information about tendons and muscles properties and their acute adaptation to exercise. Higher stiffness in sprint compared with endurance track cyclists at baseline seems to highlight alterations in mechanical properties of the tendon and muscle that could lead to overuse injuries.

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“…1 It has also been established that maximum strength heavily influences the ability to generate PPO in elite cyclists. [6][7][8][9] However, little research has been conducted to investigate interventions that could increase maximum strength and hence PPO [7][8][9] , and in particular, using highly-trained or elite level track sprint cyclists.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quasi-Isometric Cycling: A Case Study Investigation of a Novel Method to Augment Peak Power Output in Sprint Cycling

Kordi¹,

Evans

Howatson³

2021

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

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Purpose: Peak power output (PPO) is a determinant of sprint cycling performance and can be enhanced by resistance exercise that targets maximum strength. Conventional resistance training is not always suitable for elite cyclists because of chronic spinal issues; therefore, alternative methods to improve strength that concurrently reduce injury risk are welcome. In this case study, quasi-isometric cycling (QIC), a novel task-specific resistance-training method designed to improve PPO without the use of transitional resistance training, was investigated. Methods: A highly trained sprint track cyclist (10.401 s for 200 m) completed a 5-week training block followed by a second 5-week block that replaced conventional resistance training with the novel QIC training method. The replacement training method required the cyclist to maximally drive the crank of a modified cycle ergometer for 5 seconds as it passed through a ∼100° range (starting at 45° from top dead center) at a constant angular velocity. Each session consisted of 3 sets of 6 repetitions on each leg. The lab PPO was recorded in the saddle and out of the saddle. Results: Conventional training did not alter sprinting ability; however, the intervention improved the out-of-the-saddle PPO by 100 W (from 1751 to 1851 W), while the in-the-saddle PPO increased by 57 W from 1671 to 1728 W. Conclusion: QIC increased PPO in a highly trained, national-level sprint cyclist, which could be translated to improvements in performance on the track. Furthermore, QIC provides a simple, but nonetheless effective, alternative for sprint track cyclists who have compromised function to perform traditional strength training.

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Mechanical and morphological determinants of peak power output in elite cyclists

Cited by 44 publications

References 43 publications

Cycling‐specific isometric resistance training improves peak power output in elite sprint cyclists

Cycling‐specific isometric resistance training improves peak power output in elite sprint cyclists

Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Thickness and Stiffness in Elite Track Cyclists: An Ultrasonographic and Myotonometric Evaluation

Quasi-Isometric Cycling: A Case Study Investigation of a Novel Method to Augment Peak Power Output in Sprint Cycling

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