Comparaison des paramètres de la relation puissance–temps limite obtenus par différents modèles de la puissance critique

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine how the choice of the model would affect the estimation of the parameters of the relation between power and limit time. Synthesis of facts Twelve volunteers have done five or six time trials on cycle ergometer making it possible to test six models: two linear forms (Lin-W et Lin-P) and one non-linear form (Nlin-2) of the simple hyperbolic model, two models with a finite limit for maximal power (Nlin-3 et EXP) and one model which distinguished the critical power and the maximal aerobic power (Mod-α). Lin-P and EXP have given the highest estimates for the critical power and Nlin-3 the lowest. No statistical difference was observed between the estimates from Lin-W, Nlin-2 and Mod-α. Conclusion Although Nlin-2 was better on the statistical ground and Mod-α could give more information on the anaerobic contribution according to the total power, Lin-W would be a robust method to estimate the critical power.