Influence of All-Out and Fast Start on 5-min Cycling Time Trial Performance

• Autores: Brad Aisbett, Peter Lerossignol, Glenn Kevin McConnell, Christopher R. Abbiss, Rodney J. Snow
• Localización: Medicine & Science in Sports & exercise: Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0195-9131, Vol. 41, Nº. 10, 2009, págs. 1965-1971
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Purpose: To examine the influence of two different fast-start pacing strategies on performance and oxygen consumption (V[spacing dot above]O2) during cycle ergometer time trials lasting ~5 min.

    Methods: Eight trained male cyclists performed four cycle ergometer time trials whereby the total work completed (113 +/- 11.5 kJ; mean +/- SD) was identical to the better of two 5-min self-paced familiarization trials. During the performance trials, initial power output was manipulated to induce either an all-out or a fast start. Power output during the first 60 s of the fast-start trial was maintained at 471.0 +/- 48.0 W, whereas the all-out start approximated a maximal starting effort for the first 15 s (mean power: 753.6 +/- 76.5 W) followed by 45 s at a constant power output (376.8 +/- 38.5 W). Irrespective of starting strategy, power output was controlled so that participants would complete the first quarter of the trial (28.3 +/- 2.9 kJ) in 60 s. Participants performed two trials using each condition, with their fastest time trial compared.

    Results: Performance time was significantly faster when cyclists adopted the all-out start (4 min 48 s +/- 8 s) compared with the fast start (4 min 51 s +/- 8 s; P < 0.05). The first-quarter V[spacing dot above]O2 during the all-out start trial (3.4 +/- 0.4 L[middle dot]min-1) was significantly higher than during the fast-start trial (3.1 +/- 0.4 L[middle dot]min-1; P < 0.05). After removal of an outlier, the percentage increase in first-quarter V[spacing dot above]O2 was significantly correlated (r = -0.86, P < 0.05) with the relative difference in finishing time.

    Conclusions: An all-out start produces superior middle distance cycling performance when compared with a fast start. The improvement in performance may be due to a faster V[spacing dot above]O2 response rather than time saved due to a rapid acceleration