Influence of Competition on Performance and Pacing during Cycling Exercise
A study with Quark b2 examines the impact of head-to-head competition on performance, pacing strategy and bioenergetics during a 2000-m cycling task.
The study, by the University of Portsmouth together with the Deutsche Sporthochschule, aims to describe the bioenergetic basis for any changes in performance or pacing profile due to simulated head-to-head competition.
Fourteen participants completed three 2000-m familiarization time trials on a Velotron cycle ergometer, before completing an additional time trial and a 2000-m simulated head-to-head competition in a counterbalanced order. During the exercise tests, VO2, VCO2, and RER were recorded breath by breath with COSMED Quark b2 metabolic cart.
The study conclusions were that "head-to-head competition encourages participants to increase their performance. This occurs primarily via an increased anaerobic energy yield, which seems to be centrally mediated, and is consistent with the concept of a physiologic reserve".
The article details are the following:
- Title: "Influence of Competition on Performance and Pacing during Cycling Exercise"
- Authors: Jo Corbett, Martin J. Barwood, Alex Ouzonoglou, Richard Thelwell, and Matthew Dicks. 1University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- Published in: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31823378b1.
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