Effect Of An Overload Warm-up On Sprint Cycling Power

Abstract

Research has demonstrated a post activation potentiation (PAP) effect from an overload stimulus. This PAP effect has occurred with a variety of stimuli (e.g., weight training, cycling), modalities (e.g., vertical jump, cycling), and subjects (e.g., untrained vs. trained). PURPOSE: To determine the effect of a maximal cycling overload on subsequent sprint cycling power output in recreationally trained subjects. METHODS: 16 subjects (mean (SD)): age = 21 (2) yrs; mass = 73 (12) kg; ht = 171 (10) cm) who performed regular fitness training including resistance and aerobic exercise participated in two randomly ordered sessions of sprint cycling to assess power output. Two warm-up conditions were employed over two days. Standard warm-up consisted of a 4 minute stationary cycle ride with light resistance at a self-selected cadence. Overload warm-up consisted of the standard warm-up, plus an overload condition. That is, after the standard warm-up, subjects rested for 4-minutes while the weight basket was loaded to full capacity. At 4 minutes, subjects then peddled the cycle as fast as possible. The weight basket was then dropped manually, loading the cycle. In order to elicit complete fatigue (i.e. failure to pedal) within 8-10 seconds, the researcher pressed down as needed on the weight basket thereby increasing cycling resistance. After completing each individual warm-up condition, subjects then rested for 4-minutes, while 7.5% of the subject's body weight was loaded on the weight basket. At the 4-minute mark, subjects then peddled the cycle as fast as possible. Once the subject reached 150 rpm on the cycle, the weight basket dropped automatically, loading the cycle; the subject continued to pedal as hard as possible throughout a 10-second test. RESULTS: Paired Samples T-test demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in relative (W/kg) and absolute (Watts) power output (mean (SD)) (13.2 (2.8) vs. 13.9 (2.7) and 998.0 (278.4) vs. 1044.6 (270.4)) after subjects performed a maximal sprint cycle overload as compared to a standard warm-up. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study support previous work and suggest that the use of an overload sprint cycle warm-up may enhance activities where peak power output is required.