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Lab testing & performance
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23 May 2010
Our racing performance is the result of a combination of
factors. Some critical determinants include physiological factors,
(some genetically determined, while others respond significantly to
training), the economy of our cycling, our psychological
preparation and of course our equipment.
Genetics selects out cyclists who are likely to become
champions, provided they can tick all the other boxes. Champions
generally have a physiological advantage with an impressive maximum
oxygen uptake or VO2 max. While it is possible to change the VO2
max by up to 20% in untrained individuals who start an exercise
programme, the best that can be expected for a trained individual
is in the order of about a 5% improvement. Therefore, the VO2
max alone does not predict the winner. Indeed, the way the cyclist
trains, and how other physiological markers, such as the lactate
threshold and respiratory compensation point respond to the
training are important in predicting performance. This is certainly
an area that every cyclist should consider in their training.
The lactate threshold is an important determinant of endurance
performance, such as traditional mountain bike races. It is very
sensitive to training status. In order to optimize performance, a
cyclist would attempt to push the lactate threshold up as close to
the VO2 max as possible. This would allow the athlete to train for
longer periods 'aerobically' and will therefore allow longer racing
at a higher intensity. Similarly, the respiratory compensation
point is a predictor of cycling performance for events of a
slightly higher intensity which last about an hour in duration.
These predictors of performance can be accurately identified in the
laboratory. In addition, as the lactate threshold and respiratory
compensation point change with training, the heart rate training
zones necessary to target their development will also change. These
heart rate training zones can be accurately determined in the
laboratory. Training with these specific heart rate training zones
would certainly maximise the benefit of one's training, especially
as these physiological thresholds predict performance.
Another key determinant of performance is the 'power-to-weight
ratio'. As a cyclist has to carry his or her weight, the
'power-to-weight' ratio is extremely important, and it separates
cyclists with similar VO2 max results. Ideally, a training
effect should result in an increase in your 'power-to-weight'
ratio, either through increased muscle strength, or loss of excess
adipose, or both. This too, can be accurately determined in the
laboratory.
Finally, it is no good being a thoroughbred race horse and then
run like a donkey. The lab allows the cyclist to evaluate his or
her cycling efficiency and economy by analysing the pedal stroke.
It is essential that if we train hard and appropriately to
condition our bodies, that we should efficiently convert all this
advantage onto performance on the road. Certainly, attention to the
pedal stroke is important.
Look forward to seeing you in the lab.
Dr Bruce Biccard
MBChB(UCT) FCA(SA) FFARCSI MMedSci
Bruce is a Sports Physiologist at the Centre for Sports Medicine,
Umhlanga.
He is an anaesthetic consultant and has a Masters in Sports
Science, his particular interest is in VO2 max testing,
pre-operative risk assessment of high risk patients as well as
disease and risk modification in chronic disease patients. Bruce is
the Medical Director of the Centre for Sports Medicine Chronic
Disease Rehabilitation Programme and is an Ironman Triathlete.
Centre for Sports Medicine, Umhlanga
info@centreforsportsmedicine.co.za
Tel 031 5605557
