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Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses

Borszcz, Fernando, Tramontin, Artur, Bossi, Arthur, Carminatti, Lorival, Costa, Vitor (2018) Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 39 (10). pp. 737-742. ISSN 0172-4622. (doi:10.1055/s-0044-101546) (KAR id:69657)

Abstract

Functional threshold power is defined as the highest power output a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state for approximately 60-min (FTP60). In order to improve practicality for regular evaluations, FTP60 could theoretically be determined as 95% of the mean power output in a 20-min time-trial (FTP20). This study tested this assumption and the validity of FTP20 and FTP60 against the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion, 20- and 60-min time-trials, and a time-to-exhaustion at FTP20. Power output, heart rate and oxygen uptake representing FTP20, FTP60 and IAT were not different (p > 0.05), and large to very large correlations were found (r = 0.61 to 0.88). Bland Altman plots between FTP20, FTP60 and IAT showed small bias (-1 to -5 W), but large limits of agreement ([-40 to 32 W] to [-62 to 60 W]). Time to exhaustion at FTP20 was 50.9 ± 15.7 min. In conclusion, FTP20 and FTP60 should not be used interchangeably on an individual basis and their validity against IAT should be interpreted with caution.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1055/s-0044-101546
Uncontrolled keywords: cycling, time-trial, performance, pacing strategy, non-invasive test, anaerobic threshold
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > Sports sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: Arthur Bossi
Date Deposited: 18 Oct 2018 15:32 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 06:06 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/69657 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Bossi, Arthur.

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