Reliability of Sprint Test Indices in Well-Trained Cyclists

Abstract

The study aim was to assess reliability of repeated laboratory sprint tests in well-trained endurance cyclists. Eleven male cyclists (mean ± standard deviation: 27 ± 6 yr, 1.79 ± 0.04 m, 70.1 ± 3.3 kg) performed a maximal 30-second sprint test on four separate occasions using their own bicycle fitted with an SRM powermeter on a Kingcycle air-braked ergometer. Peak power output (W_peak), mean power (W_mean) and an index of fatigue (FI) were calculated. Three minutes post sprint, capillarised blood lactate measurements were taken and analysed. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between trials for W_peak, W_mean, FI and blood lactate concentration. Repeatability of W_peak, W_mean, and fatigue index improved across trials 2 and 3 when compared to trials 1 and 2. The highest CV for these variables was recorded between trials 3 and 4. The CV for W_peak was 4.5 ± 1.6 %, W_mean 2.4 ± 1.2 %, and FI 17.2 ± 7.1 %. Intraclass reliability coefficients were 0.93 (95 % CI 0.84 - 0.98), 0.94 (95 % CI 0.86 - 0.98) and 0.89 (95 % CI 0.69 - 0.95) respectively. Blood lactate concentration ranged between 5.35 and 14.52 mmol · l^-1, with a mean CV of 12.1 ± 4.2 %. The CV for trials 2 and 3 revealed the highest CV for blood lactate concentration (15.1 %). The lowest CV for this variable (10.2 %) was recorded between trials 3 and 4. The intraclass reliability coefficient for blood lactate concentration was 0.79 (95 % CI 0.58 - 0.93). The results of this study indicate that there is no improvement in the reliability of sprint test indices when assessing well-trained, experienced cyclists, riding on their own cycle equipment.

Key words

Kingcycle - SRM powermeter - power output - fatigue index - blood lactate

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