Cardiorespiratory Power and Force-Velocity Characteristics in Road Cycling: The Effect of Aging and Underlying Physiological Mechanisms

Introduction: Although a considerable amount of research is available describing the physiological characteristics of competitive adolescent and senior level cyclists, research describing the same characteristics in master level cyclists is rare. Aim of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory power and force-velocity characteristics between two groups, one of master and one of senior level cyclists in an attempt to examine the effect of aging on these parameters. Methods: Eighteen master (43.25±5.37 y) and 13 senior level male road cyclists (28.78±4.95 y) were examined for anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and they performed the anaerobic force-velocity test and a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption and anaerobic threshold. Results: Maximal heart rate (accordingly 176.9±13.8 bpm vs. 189.1±8.3 bpm) and heart rate at anaerobic threshold (157±13.9 bpm vs. 170.5±8.3 bpm) were the only parameters that differed significantly (P<0.001). Conclusions: Based on these results, it was concluded that optimal training could attenuate the decline of physiological parameters in cyclists until the beginning of the 5 th decade of human life. In addition, considering the variability of heart rate values (either maximal or at anaerobic threshold), i.e. wider range of scores in master than in senior level participants, it was suggested the need for individualized data, especially in master level road cyclists.