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Effects of training-induced fatigue on pacing patterns in 40-km cycling time trials.

TitleEffects of training-induced fatigue on pacing patterns in 40-km cycling time trials.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsSkorski S, Hammes D, Schwindling S, Veith S, Pfeiffer M, Ferrauti A, Kellmann M, Meyer T
JournalMed Sci Sports Exerc
Volume47
Issue3
Pagination593-600
Date Published2015 Mar
ISSN1530-0315
KeywordsAdult, Anticipation, Psychological, Bicycling, Fatigue, Feedback, Physiological, Heart Rate, Humans, Lactic Acid, Male, Oxygen Consumption, Perception, Physical Education and Training, Physical Exertion, Respiration, Young Adult
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In some endurance sports, athletes complete several competitions within a short period, resulting in accumulated fatigue. It is unclear whether fatigued athletes choose the same pacing pattern (PP) as when they have recovered.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze effects of fatigue on PP of cyclists during a 40-km time trial (TT).

METHODS: Twenty-three male cyclists (28.8 ± 7.6 yr) completed three 40-km TT on a cycle ergometer. TT were conducted before (TT1) and after (TT2) a 6-d training period. A third TT was carried out after 72 h of recovery (TT3). Training days consisted of two cycling sessions: mornings, 1 h at 95% of lactate threshold or 3 × 5 × 30 s all-out sprint; afternoons, 3 h at 80% individual anaerobic threshold. Four-kilometer split times (min) and RPE were recorded during TT.

RESULTS: Performance decreased from TT1 to TT2 (65.7 ± 3.5 vs 66.7 ± 3.3 min; P < 0.05) and increased from TT2 to TT3 (66.7 ± 3.3 vs 65.5 ± 3.3 min; P < 0.01). PP showed a significant difference between TT1 and TT2 (P < 0.001) as well as between TT2 and TT3 (P < 0.01). PP in TT1 and TT3 showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). In TT1 and TT3, cyclists started faster in the first 4 km compared with TT2. RPE course showed no significant difference between TT (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue reversibly changes the PP of cyclists during a 40-km TT. Participants reduced their power output until premature exhaustion seemed very unlikely. This supports the assumption that pacing includes a combination of anticipation and feedback mechanisms.

DOI10.1249/MSS.0000000000000439
Alternate JournalMed Sci Sports Exerc
PubMed ID25003772
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