Key result
A 3-min all-out cycle test in well-trained cyclists overestimates power output at maximal lactate steady state and should not be used to assess VO2peak.
Why the study?
Does a 3-min all-out cycle test accurately estimate power output at maximal lactate steady state and peak oxygen uptake in well-trained cyclists?
Cross-Sectional (n=18)
Does a 3-min all-out cycle test accurately estimate power output at maximal lactate steady state and peak oxygen uptake in well-trained cyclists?
A 3-min all-out cycle test is not sufficient to accurately obtain power output at maximal lactate steady state and should not be used to assess peak oxygen uptake in well-trained cyclists due to high intra-individual variability.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Cautions against 3-min test reliance for MLSS estimates in cyclists; leaves open need for prospective validation of field tests.
The aim of the study was to examine whether 1) the power output attained in the last 30 s of a 3-min all-out test (P (end)) correlates with the power output at maximal lactate steady state (P (MLSS)) and whether 2) peak oxygen uptake (VO (2peak)) can be obtained from a 3-min all-out test in well-trained cyclists. 18 cyclists (23±3 years; 186.1±6.9 cm; 79.1±8.2 kg; VO (2peak): 63.2±5.2 mL · kg (-1) · min (-1)) performed a ramp test, a 3-min all-out test and several submaximal constant 30 min-workload tests at +15, 0, -15, -30, -45, -60,-75, -90 W of P (end) to obtain P (MLSS). P (MLSS) was significantly lower compared to P (END) ( P<0.001; mean difference: 54±18 W) with a high correlation (r=0.93; R (2)=0.87; P<0.001) but great intra-individual variability (15-90 W). There were no mean differences between the ramp-VO (2peak) and 3-min all-out cycling VO (2peak) ( P=0.29; mean difference: 133±514 mL · min (-1)) showing significant correlation (r=0.60; R (2)=0.37; P=0.006) but great intra-individual variability (1 057-1 312 mL · min (-1)). We therefore suggest that in well-trained cyclists a 3-min all-out test is 1) not sufficient to obtain P (MLSS) and 2) should not be applied to assess VO (2peak).
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Sperlich et al. (2011) conducted a cross-sectional in well-trained cyclists (n=18). 3-min all-out cycle test vs. Maximal lactate steady state (P(MLSS)) and ramp test was evaluated on Power output at maximal lactate steady state (P(MLSS)) compared to power output in the last 30 s of a 3-min all-out test (P(end)) (MD 54 W, p=<0.001). A 3-min all-out cycle test in well-trained cyclists overestimates power output at maximal lactate steady state and should not be used to assess VO2peak.
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