Defining intensity domains from the end power of a 3-min all-out cycling test.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a modified version of a 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT) using equipment readily available to cyclists and to identify exercise intensity domains using the average power output over the last 30 s of the 3MT (end-test power (EP)).


METHODS
Sixteen competitive cyclists (V(O2peak) = 60.3 +/- 8.3 mL.kg.min) completed three laboratory visits using their own bicycles and a power-measuring rear wheel. In visit 1, subjects performed an incremental load test to volitional termination on an electronically braked trainer (100 + 25 W every 4 min). Power output at lactate threshold was determined by absolute 4 mmol.L (OBLA-PO) and 1 mmol.L over exercise baseline (LT-PO). Power output at ventilatory threshold (VT-PO) was computed on the basis of the V-slope method. Power output at V(O2peak) (V(O2peak)-PO) was the mean power observed during the stage at which peak O2 consumption was recorded. In visits 2 and 3, subjects performed the 3MT using a progressive resistance trainer with Visit 2 as a familiarization trial. During Visit 3, EP was recorded.


RESULTS
EP (273 +/- 52 W) was significantly greater than VT-PO, OBLA-PO, and LT-PO (232 +/- 64, 235 +/- 54, and 208 +/- 45 W, respectively) but significantly less than V(O2peak)-PO (288 +/- 56 W). EP was correlated with V(O2peak)-PO (r = 0.97), VT-PO (r = 0.87), OBLA-PO (r = 0.85), and LT-PO (r = 0.79) with regression estimates through the origin made using 105%, 86%, 86%, and 76% of EP, respectively. Demarcations for moderate- to heavy-intensity (LT-PO at 76% EP) and heavy- to severe-intensity (100% EP) domains may be estimated.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3MT can be used to define exercise intensity in competitive cyclists using readily available equipment.
Robert Kertzer Exercise Physiology Laboratory, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA.
James T
JT
Francis
Timothy J
TJ
Quinn
Markus
M
Amann
Dain P
DP
LaRoche
D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D056352:Athletes; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
D019344:Lactic Acid