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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING BY HEART RATE OR POWER IN RECREATIONAL CYCLISTS |
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Michael E. Robinson1,2  ,
Jeff Plasschaert2 and Nkaku R. Kisaalita1 |
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1Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, 2Shands Sport Performance Center at University of Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute, USA |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2011) 10, 498 - 501 |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| Technological advances in interval training for cyclists have
led to the development of both heart rate (HR) monitors and powermeters
(PM). Despite the growing popularity of PM use, the superiority of PM-based
training has not been established. The aim of the present study was to investigate
the relative effectiveness of HR-based versus PM-based interval training
on 20 km time trial (20km TT), lactate threshold (LT) power, and peak aerobic
capacity (VO2max) in recreational cyclists. Participants (n =20;
M age=33.9, SD =13) completed a baseline 20km TT to establish their VO2max
and LT and were then randomly assigned to either HR-determined or PM-determined
training sessions. Over a period of up to 5 weeks participants completed
7.2 (± 1.1) interval training sessions at their specific LT for their respective
interval training method. Repeated measures analyses of variances (ANOVAs)
showed that both HR-based and PM-based training groups significantly improved
their LT power (F(1,16) = 28., p < 0.01, eta2 = 0.63) and 20km TT time
(F(1,16) = 4.92, p = 0.04, eta2 = 0.24) at posttest, showing a 17 watt increase
(9.8%) and a near 3-and-a-half minute improvement (7.8%) in 20km TT completion
time. There were no significant group (HR vs. PM) x time (baseline vs. posttest)
interactions for 20km TT completion time, LT power, or VO2max
ratings. Our results coincide with the literature supporting the effectiveness
of interval training for endurance athletes. Furthermore, our findings indicate
that there is no empirical evidence for the superiority of any single type
of device in the implementation of interval training. This study indicates
that there are no noticeable advantages to using PM to increase performance
in the average recreational cyclist, suggesting that low cost HR monitor
are equally capable as training devices. Key words: Power, hear rate, training. |
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