The Impact of 10 weeks of Independent Cycle Crank use on Run Performance

Abstract

Enhanced endurance run performance is usually associated with improved aerobic power and run efficiency resulting from high intensity, tempo, interval, and/or long slow distance run training. However improvement in run performance has been reported in triathletes from cycle training, despite the contradiction to principles of specificity. PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of ten weeks of independent cycle crank (ICC) training on run performance as measured by oxygen efficiency (OxE), time trial performance (TT), and leg strength METHODS: After a medical/health screening, thirty triathletes (16 male, 14 female) (age 43.2 [range 25-54 yr], ht 176 [range 160-188 cm], and body mass 73.3 [range 54.3-97.7.5 kg]), participated in familiarization trials including leg strength (LE [leg extension], LF [leg flexion]), and treadmill based steady state OxE (mLO2/kg-meter) trial and a 5 K time trial. Identical testing was performed during the familiarization trial, pre-test (within one week) and the post-test (ten weeks later). After the pre-test trial, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups (C = control, 90 = 90 min/wk and 180 = min/wk). For ten weeks all subjects exercised (swim, cycle, run) a minimum of eight hours each week. All groups ran a minimum of 2.5 hours/week at low-moderate intensity (<75% HRR) and cycled a minimum of three hours/week with C in fixed cranks, 90 for 90 min fixed and 90 min ICC, and 180 for 180 min ICC. RESULTS: Changes of -3.8%, -6.2%,and -0.8% in OxE, -4.0%, -5.3%, and -0.4% in TT, 7.1%, 8.8%, and 3.2% for LE, and 5.4%, 6.5%, and 5.5%, were evident for the C, 90 and180 groups, respectively. Statistical analysis by ANOVA (P<.05) reveals no significant difference among groups or pre-post changes within groups, except group 90 significantly improved run efficiency (OxE). CONCLUSION: Ten weeks of winter time, base training for seasoned triathletes reveals subtle changes that for the most part are not statistically significant. Although self report indicates perceived improvement, the principle of specificity is upheld with little influence of independent cycle crank arm use on run or strength performance.