Author(s): MORALES-ARTACHO, A., ROUSSEAU, Q., RABITA, G., Institution: INSTITUT NATIONAL DU SPORT, DE L'EXPERTISE ET DE LA PERFORMANCE (INSEP), Country: FRANCE, Abstract-ID: 2552

INTRODUCTION:
The hyperbolic relationship between power output and time to exhaustion allows for the estimation of both critical power (CP) and the curvature constant of such a relationship (W’). The latter theoretically represents a fixed amount of work that can be performed above CP, and increasing evidence is highlighting its relevance as a performance determinant in short or intermittent endurance events requiring high anaerobic capacity. However, while previous research has shown relevant links between W’ and several muscle physiological and morphological parameters, a holistic exploration of its relationship with common physiological and functional anaerobic capacity measures remains to be done. Accordingly, this study investigated the relationship between CP and W’ with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), maximal post-exercise lactate concentration and the force-velocity profile (Fmax, Vmax, Vopt, Pmax).
METHODS:
Eleven healthy trained triathletes (31.2±8.15years, 69.2±5.87kg, 180±5cm, 63.2±3.5ml/kg/min VO2max) performed four separate time-to-exhaustion (TTE) trials. Four different models (2-parameter hyperbolic, 3-parameter hyperbolic, linear, and linear 1/time) were used to compute CP and W. Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit was estimated during a supramaximal TTE trial performed at 100% of peak power output, and blood lactate concentration was assessed 30 minutes post-effort. Fmax, Vmax, Vopt and Pmax were computed from the force-velocity relationship.
RESULTS:
Moderate-to-large significant Pearson correlation coefficients were observed among W’ linear and 1/Time (16632±4448 and 13810±45 Joules, respectively), MAOD (54.9±11.5 ml/kg), Pmax (1041±183 W), and peak lactate concentration (13.1±3.4 mmol/L; r > 0.63, P < 0.05). Regardless of the model, no significant correlations were observed between these parameters and CP.
CONCLUSION:
The magnitude of W’ appears to be linked to the anaerobic capacity of moderately trained cyclists, as estimated from MAOD and post-exercise lactate accumulation measures following a supramaximal TTE effort. In line with previous research, the maximal power capabilities estimated from the force-velocity relationship seem also to be linked to W’. These findings provide useful information when it comes to evaluate anaerobic capacity in cycling. Further investigation will help to gain a deeper understanding of these links and their underlying mechanisms.