Power Assessment in Road Cycling: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Nowadays, the evaluation of physiological characteristics and training load quantification in road cycling is frequently performed through power meter data analyses, but the scientific evidence behind this tool is scarce and often contradictory. The aim of this paper is to review the literature related to power profiling, functional threshold testing, and performance assessment based on power meter data. A literature search was conducted following preferred reporting items for review statement (PRISMA) on the topic of {“cyclist” OR “cycling” AND “functional threshold” OR “power meter”}. The reviewed evidence provided important insights regarding power meter-based training: (a) functional threshold testing is closely related to laboratory markers of steady state; (b) the 20-min protocol represents the most researched option for functional threshold testing, although shorter durations may be used if verified on an individual basis; (c) power profiling obtained through the recovery of recorded power outputs allows the categorization and assessment of the cyclist’s fitness level; and (d) power meters represent an alternative to laboratory tests for the assessment of the relationship between power output and cadence. This review elucidates the increasing amount of studies related to power profiling, functional threshold testing, and performance assessment based on power meter data, highlighting the opportunity for the expanding knowledge that power meters have brought in the road cycling field.

Functional Threshold Power as an Alternative to Lactate Thresholds in Road Cycling

“…It should be remarked, however, that in these 3 studies, FTP was established from an 8-minute test. To date, no previous research has assessed the differences between PO at FTP estimated from a 20-minute test and PO at fixed blood lactate concentrations of 2 mmol•L 21 . The findings of this study suggest that FTP obtained through 20-minute testing is located at higher intensities than these 2 lactate landmarks.…”

Cyclists or avatars: is virtual cycling filling a short-term void during COVID-19 lockdown?

“…Virtual platform developers have managed to simulate some of the cycling conditions to be used as a training and gaming method. But there are still apparent differences between both modalities that do not support the idea of evolving eCycling as a game into a competitive sport (Sitko et al, 2020). Consequently, some improvements should be made to keep the users' interest once the public health restrictions are relaxed.…”

Time to exhaustion at estimated functional threshold power in road cyclists of different performance levels

“…During the last years, the increasing use of mobile power meters in both the professional and amateur cycling fields has provided coaches and scientists with information that would have previously only been accessible through laboratory means. 6 Among the many new advancements brought by mobile power meters, the possibility to assess the maximal metabolic steady state through power data must be highlighted. 7 This parameter can be studied either through direct observation of the power curve or through an indirect estimation with the help of a standardized field test.…”