The aerobic fitness is important for mountain bikers, but riders should also be able to generate maximal and supramaximal efforts in some crucial phases of the competition. Although there is an increase interest in high-intensity aerobic training, to investigators knowledge, there are no studies examining the effects of interval (INTV) or intermittent training (INTM) in mountain bikers. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of INTV and INTM on aerobic fitness variables (peak power output, Wmax, lactate threshold, and onset of blood lactate accumulation) but more importantly on performance as measured using a controlled mountain bike race, i.e. simulation. The investigators hypothesized that INTV and INTM training were equally effective in improving Wmax, Lactate threshold and onset of blood lactate accumulation, but INTV was superior in enhancing performance in mountai bike race simulation.This hypothesis is due to studies that have shown higher gains in performance with long duration of aerobic high intensity interval training in comparison to the shorter training at a higher intensity.
The study is a controlled and randomized trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
16
The interval training group consisted of 7 to 10 repetitions of 4-6 min at the highest intensity sustainable, the active recovery was 4-6 min in intensity from 10 to 15 of scale of perceived exertion CR100.
The riders of intermittent training group completed 8 to 12 repetitions of 30 s all-out with 4 min of active recovery.
Gama Filho University
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interval Training and Performance in Mountain Bikers
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of interval (INTV) and intermittent training (INTM) on aerobic fitness variables (peak power output, Wmax, lactate threshold, and onset of blood lactate accumulation) and performance as measured using a controlled MTB race, i.e. simulation. Pre to post differences were examined using two-way ANOVA, with a factor time on two levels (pre, post), and a factor group on two levels (INTV and INTM). Differences between groups post-training were also analyzed with ANCOVA using the pre-training values as covariate. These differences were calculated after log transforming the dependent variables. The difference between groups in the primary outcome (performance) was also analyzed using a magnitude-based inferences approach. The smallest worthwhile difference for the performance was considered to be 1%.
Time frame: Six weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.