Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6-week cycling-specific, isometric resistance training program on peak power output (PPO) in elite cyclists. Twenty-four elite track sprint cyclists were allocated to EXP (n=13, PPO, 1537±307W) and CON (n=11, PPO, 1541±389W) groups. All participants completed a 6-week training program; training content was identical except participants in the EXP group replaced their usual compound lower body resistance training exercise with a cycling-specific, isometric resistance training stimulus. Cycling PPO, knee extensor and cycling-specific isometric strength, and measures of muscle architecture were assessed pre- and post-training. In EXP, absolute and relative PPO increased (46±62W and 0.8±0.7W/kg, P<.05), and the change in relative PPO was different to CON (-0.1±1.0W/kg, group×time interaction P=.02). The increase in PPO was concurrent with an increase in extrapolated maximal torque in EXP (7.1±6.5Nm, P=.007), but the effect was not different from the change in CON (2.4±9.7Nm, group×time P=.14). Cycling-specific isometric strength also increased more in EXP (group×time P=.002). There were no other between-group differences in response to training. A 6-week novel, cycling-specific isometric resistance training period improved PPO in a group of elite sprint cyclists by 3%-4%. These data support the use of a cycling-specific isometric resistance training stimulus in the preparation programs of world-class cyclists.
Highlights
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6-week cycling-specific, isometric resistance training program on peak power output (PPO) in elite cyclists
We have previously demonstrated a very strong association between maximal torque production during a cycling-specific isometric task and cycling PPO11; this finding raises the possibility that improving cycling-specific isometric strength might offer a positive transfer to cycling PPO
The change in PPO was mediated by an increase in the extrapolated maximum torque elicited from isovelocity cycling and concurrent with an increase in cycling-specific isometric torque, and the rate of torque development measured during isometric knee extension
Summary
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6-week cycling-specific, isometric resistance training program on peak power output (PPO) in elite cyclists. Conclusion: A 6-week novel, cycling-specific isometric resistance training period improved PPO in a group of elite sprint cyclists by 3%-4%. These data support the use of a cycling-specific isometric resistance training stimulus in the preparation programs of world-class cyclists. Sprint track cycling is a sport where success is highly dependent on an athlete's ability to generate high levels of external mechanical power output. In order to positively influence cycling PPO, elite track cyclists routinely employ resistance training that is aimed at improving muscle size and strength, as these variables are associated with the ability to produce high PPO.[1,47] These resistance training routines typically employ. Given the lack of dynamic correspondence between traditional isoinertial strength exercises and sprint cycling,[9] coupled with the highly trained nature of the population, more specific means of training might be required.[10]
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