title: Comparison of Critical Power and W' Derived From 2 or 3 Maximal Tests.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Typically, accessing the asymptote (critical power; CP) and curvature constant (W') parameters of the hyperbolic power-duration relationship requires multiple constant-power exhaustive-exercise trials spread over several visits. However, more recently single-visit protocols and personal power meters have been used. This study investigated the practicality of using a 2-trial, single-visit protocol in providing reliable CP and W' estimates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight trained cyclists underwent 3- and 12-min maximal-exercise trials in a single session to derive (2-trial) CP and W' estimates. On a separate occasion a 5-min trial was performed, providing a 3rd trial to calculate (3-trial) CP and W'.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences in CP (283 ± 66 vs 282 ± 65 W) or W' (18.72 ± 6.21 vs 18.27 ± 6.29 kJ) obtained from either the 2-trial or 3-trial method, respectively. After 2 familiarization sessions (completing a 3- and a 12-min trial on both occasions), both CP and W' remained reliable over additional separate measurements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current study demonstrates that after 2 familiarization sessions, reliable CP and W' parameters can be obtained from trained cyclists using only 2 maximal-exercise trials. These results offer practitioners a practical, time-efficient solution for incorporating power-duration testing into applied athlete support.
authors.forename: Len Parker
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kordi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance
keywords: cycling; performance; power-duration; time trial