Lamberts R.P., Rietjens G.J., Tijdink H.H., Noakes T.D., Lambert M.I.
Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Netherlands Olympic Committee, Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC NSF), Arnhem, Netherlands; Department of Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Dutch Army, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute for Physical Therapy de Boombosch, Twello, Netherlands
Lamberts, R.P., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Rietjens, G.J., Netherlands Olympic Committee, Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC NSF), Arnhem, Netherlands, Department of Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Dutch Army, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, Netherlands; Tijdink, H.H., Institute for Physical Therapy de Boombosch, Twello, Netherlands; Noakes, T.D., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa
Recently a novel submaximal test, known as the Lamberts and Lambert submaximal cycle test (LSCT), has been developed with the purpose of monitoring and predicting changes in cycling performance. Although this test has been shown to be reliable and able to predict cycling performance, it is not known whether it can measure changes in training status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the LSCT is able to track changes in performance parameters, and objective and subjective markers of well-being. A world class cyclo-cross athlete (31 years) volunteered to participate in a 10-week observational study. Before and after the study, a peak power output (PPO) test with respiratory gas analysis (VO2max) and a 40-km time trial (40-km TT) test were performed. Training data were recorded in a training logbook with a daily assessment of well-being, while a weekly LSCT was performed. After the training period all performance parameters had improved by a meaningful amount (PPO +5.2%; 40-km TT time -2.5%; VO2max +1.4%). Increased training loads during weeks 2 and 6 and the subsequent training-induced fatigue was reflected in the increased well-being scores. Changes during the LSCT were most clearly notable in (1) increased power during the first minute of third stage, (2) increased rating of perceived exertion during second and third stages, and (3) a faster heart rate recovery after the third stage. In conclusion, these data suggest that the LSCT is able to track changes in training status and detect the consequences of sharp increases in training loads which seem to be associated with accumulating fatigue. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.
adaptation; adult; article; athlete; athletic performance; bicycle; case report; endurance; exercise; exercise test; exercise tolerance; fatigue; fitness; human; leg; male; methodology; muscle fatigue; muscle strength; oxygen consumption; pathophysiology; physiology; psychological aspect; task performance; Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Bicycling; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Fatigue; Humans; Leg; Male; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle Strength; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Physical Exertion; Physical Fitness; Task Performance and Analysis