title: Effects of interval training and a taper on cycling performance and isokinetic leg strength.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in isokinetic leg strength parallel changes in cycling performance during a six-week high-intensity aerobic interval training program and a subsequent two-week taper. Eleven male collegiate cyclists participated in one competitive cycling graded exercise test, four consecutive days of aerobic intervals (30 min @82.2 +/- 0.74% HRmax, 1:1 work:relief), and four continuous rides (1-2 hr @65-80% HRmax) weekly. Pedalling cadence during training was generally 70-80 rpm suggesting a knee joint velocity of approximately 210 degrees.sec-1. Cycling performance and peak isokinetic torque (TQpk) for knee flexors (HAM) and knee extensors (QUAD) @30, 120, 210, and 300 degrees.sec-1 were assessed before, every two weeks during, and each week for two weeks following six weeks of interval training. Performance increased significantly during training (15%) and increased further during the taper (8%). QUAD TQpk @30 and 120 degrees.sec-1 increased significantly during training and the taper. In contrast, QUAD TQpk @210 and 300 degrees.sec-1 and HAM TQpk for all velocities were not significantly elevated following training. Interestingly, QUAD TQpk @300 but not 210 degrees.sec-1 significantly increased during the taper. Data from this study demonstrates that high-intensity aerobic interval cycling can promote gains in QUAD strength which occur primarily at contraction velocities slower than those utilized during cycling training. Additionally, a two-week taper can produce significant improvements in cycling performance (8%) and QUAD strength (8-9%) at 30 and 120 degrees.sec-1, however, the time-courses for these improvements do not parallel one another.
authors.affiliation: Human Energy Research Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071.
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Scifres
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors