Publication Date

8-2012

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Studies, Biophysical Studies

Department

Kinesiology

Supervisory Committee Chair

Lynda Ransdell

Abstract

The aims of this study were to identify physiologic characteristics among trained off-road cyclists and correlate them with a field-based time trial to determine predictors of live performance. Fourteen trained male off-road cyclists were recruited for this study, and measured for maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max), peak aerobic power (Wpeak), maximum anaerobic power (Wmax), time trial performance (sec), and climbing ability (vertical feet per second – VFS). VO2max and Wpeak were measured during an incremental cycling test to exhaustion, Wmax was measured during a 30-second Wingate test and time trial, and VFS were measured during a live 1.65 mile uphill mountain bike course. Laboratory and field test variables were taken as absolute values as well as relative values when scaled to body mass and correlated to identify their relationship. Significant correlations (p = 0.01) were seen between relative peak power (W·kg-1) and time trial performance (r = -0.803), absolute VFS (r = 0.828), and relative VFS (r = 0.843). Relative maximum aerobic capacity (ml·kg·-1min-1) was also highly and significantly correlated (p = 0.01) with time trial performance (r = -0.773), absolute VFS (r = 0.790), and relative VFS (r = 0.775). Moderate correlations (p = 0.05) were demonstrated between absolute peak power and time trial (r = -0.595) and absolute VFS (r = 0.603). The present results suggest that relative peak power (W·kg-1) and relative maximum oxygen consumption (ml·kg·-1min-1) are highly predictive of uphill climbing time trial efforts.

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