title: The effects of 6-week-decoupled bi-pedal cycling on submaximal and high intensity performance in competitive cyclists and triathletes.
abstract: Aim of this work was to examine the effects of decoupled two-legged cycling on (1) submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake, (2) power output at 4 mmol L(-1) blood lactate concentration, (3) mean and peak power output during high intensity cycling (30 s sprint) and (4) isometric and dynamic force production of the knee extensor and flexor muscles. 18 highly trained male competitive male cyclists and triathletes (age 24 ± 3 years; body height 179 ± 11 cm; body mass 78 ± 8 kg; peak oxygen uptake 5,070 ± 680 mL min(-1)) were equally randomized to exercise on a stationary cycle equipped either with decoupled or with traditional crank system. The intervention involved 1 h training sessions, 5 times per week for 6 weeks at a heart rate corresponding to 70% of VO(2peak). VO(2) at 100, 140, 180, 220 and 260 and power output at 4 mmol L(-1) blood lactate were determined during an incremental test. VO(2peak) was recorded during a ramp protocol. Mean and peak power output were assessed during a 30 s cycle sprint. The maximal voluntary isometric strength of the quadriceps and biceps femoris muscles was obtained using a training machine equipped with a force sensor. No differences were observed between the groups for changes in any variable (P = 0.15-0.90; effect size = 0.00-0.30). Our results demonstrate that a 6 week (30 sessions) training block using decoupled crank systems does not result in changes in any physiological or performance variables in highly trained competitive cyclists.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf, 50933, Cologne, Germany. sperlich@dshs-koeln.de
authors.forename: Billy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sperlich
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zelle
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kleinöder
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lochmann
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zinner
authors.forename: Hans-Christer
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Holmberg
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mester
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult