Abstract
In track cycling sprint events, optimal cadence PRopt is a dynamic aspect of fatigue. It is currently unclear what cadence is optimal for an athlete’s performance in sprint races and how it can be calculated. We examined fatigue-induced changes in optimal cadence during a maximal sprint using a mathematical approach. Nine elite track cyclists completed a 6-s high-frequency pedaling test and a 60-s isokinetic all-out sprint on a bicycle ergometer with continuous monitoring of crank force and cadence. Fatigue-free force-velocity (F/v) and power-velocity (P/v) profiles were derived from both tests. The development of fatigue during the 60-s sprint was assessed by fixing the slope of the fatigue-free F/v profile. Fatigue-induced alterations in PRopt were determined by non-linear regression analysis using a mono-exponential equation at constant slope. The study revealed that PRopt at any instant during a 60-s maximal sprint can be estimated accurately using a mono-exponential equation. In an isokinetic mode, a mean PRopt can be identified that enables the athlete to generate the highest mean power output over the course of the effort. Adding the time domain to the fatigue-free F/v and P/v profiles allows time-dependent cycling power to be modelled independent of cadence.
Highlights
In cycling, models are used to investigate the factors that determine performance and optimize competition outcomes
We proposed that it will be possible to describe the effect of fatigue and motion velocity on power output for any individual athlete, using a function of time in a monoexponential equation
The findings presented in the current study confirmed that the decrease in optimal cadence due to fatigue during a 60-s maximal sprint by elite track cyclists can be descr9iobfe1d3 quite accurately by a mono-exponential equation
Summary
Models are used to investigate the factors that determine performance and optimize competition outcomes. The sprint events in track cycling (i.e., team sprint, sprint, keirin, and 1000- or 500-m time trials) are approximately 15–60 s in duration and require maximal production of power over distances of 200–1000 m [1]. A decisive physiological determinant of performance in track cycling sprints is the ability to produce fatigue-free muscular power, which can be described by maximal forcevelocity (F/v) and power-velocity (P/v) profiles (e.g., [1,4,5,6,7]). The F/v relationship in cycling of mean pedal force and pedaling rate (PR) was identified as linear and can be derived from short maximal sprints in the laboratory and in the field [5,10,11,12,13]. Multiplying the mean pedal force by the cadence results in a parabolic relationship between power output (P) and cadence (ibid.)
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