Intensity and Duration Of Sub-maximal Cycling Prior To A 6-minute Work Accumulation Cycling Test

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Intensity and duration of sub-maximal cycling prior to a 6-minute work accumulation cycling test PURPOSE: To investigate differences in mechanical and aerobic power during a 6-minute work accumulation cycling test following two different prior exercise conditions in cyclist (C)and non-cyclists (NC). METHODS: 17 male athletes performed two maximal six-minute work accumulation tests on a cycle ergometer. Each test was preceded by a low intensity short duration ride (LI, SD) or a high intensity long duration ride (HI, LD). Work accumulation (WA) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured under each condition. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in VO2max (p<0.001) and VO2mean (p=0.029) in C following HI,LD. NC did not have any significant changes in VO2max (p=0.780) but showed a trend for decreased VO2mean (p=0.076) following HI,LD. Both groups experienced significant decreases in WA (C: p=0.020, NC: p=0.0423) following HI,LD. There was a strong correlation between difference in WA and difference in VO2max (r=0.76) and VO2mean (r=0.86) in NC, not in C.TABLECONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a HI, LD pre-exercise routine may decrease maximal aerobic power in C, but not in NC. Decreased aerobic power explains changes in WA in NC, but not in C.