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Functional threshold power is not a valid marker of the maximal metabolic steady state

Wong, Stephen, Burnley, Mark, Mauger, Alexis R., Fenghua, Sun, Hopker, James G. (2023) Functional threshold power is not a valid marker of the maximal metabolic steady state. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40 (23). pp. 2578-2584. ISSN 0264-0414. E-ISSN 1466-447X. (doi:10.1080/02640414.2023.2176045) (KAR id:100046)

Abstract

Purpose: Functional Threshold Power (FTP) has been considered a valid alternative to other performance markers that represent the upper boundary of the heavy intensity domain. However, such a claim has not been empirically 6 examined from a physiological perspective.

Method: This study examined the blood lactate and VO2 response when exercising at and 15 W above the FTP 9 (FTP+15W). Thirteen cyclists participated in the study. The VO2 was recorded continuously throughout FTP and FTP+15W, with blood lactate measured before the test, every 10 minutes and at task failure. Data were subsequently analysed using two-way ANOVA.

Results: The time to task failure at FTP and FTP+15W were 33.7 ± 7.6 and 22.0 ± 5.7 minutes (p < 0.001), respectively. The VO2peak was not attained when exercising at FTP+15W (VO2peak: 3.61 ± 0.81 vs FTP+15W 3.33 ± 0.68 L·min-1, p < 0.001). The VO2 stabilised during both intensities. However, the end test blood lactate corresponding to FTP and FTP+15W was significantly different (6.7 ± 2.1 mM vs 9.2 ± 2.9 mM; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The VO2 response corresponding to FTP and FTP+15W suggests that FTP should not be considered a threshold marker between heavy and severe intensity.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2176045
Uncontrolled keywords: Cycling, functional threshold power, oxygen kinetics, VO2 slow component, exercise intensity domains
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > Sports sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: James Hopker
Date Deposited: 15 Feb 2023 13:36 UTC
Last Modified: 20 Feb 2024 00:00 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/100046 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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