Low cadence interval training at moderate intensity does not improve cycling performance in highly trained veteran cyclists

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of low cadence training at moderate intensity on aerobic capacity, cycling performance, gross efficiency, freely chosen cadence, and leg strength in veteran cyclists.Method: Twenty-two well trained veteran cyclists [age: 47 ± 6 years, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max): 57.9 ± 3.7 ml · kg−1 · min−1] were randomized into two groups, a low cadence training group and a freely chose cadence training group. Respiratory variables, power output, cadence and leg strength were tested before and after a 12 weeks training intervention period. The low cadence training group performed 12 weeks of moderate [73–82% of maximal heart rate (HRmax)] interval training (5 × 6 min) with a cadence of 40 revolutions per min (rpm) two times a week, in addition to their usual training. The freely chosen cadence group added 90 min of training at freely chosen cadence at moderate intensity.Results: No significant effects of the low cadence training on aerobic capacity, cycling performance, power output, cadence, gross efficiency, or leg strength was found. The freely chosen cadence group significantly improved both VO2max (58.9 ± 2.4 vs. 62.2 ± 3.2 ml · kg−1 · min−1), VO2 consumption at lactate threshold (49.4 ± 3.8 vs. 51.8 ± 3.5 ml · kg−1 · min−1) and during the 30 min performance test (52.8 ± 3.0 vs. 54.7 ± 3.5 ml · kg−1 · min−1), and power output at lactate threshold (284 ± 47 vs. 294 ± 48 W) and during the 30 min performance test (284 ± 42 vs. 297 ± 50 W). Moreover, a significant difference was seen when comparing the change in freely chosen cadence from pre- to post between the groups during the 30 min performance test (2.4 ± 5.0 vs. −2.7 ± 6.2).Conclusion: Twelve weeks of low cadence (40 rpm) interval training at moderate intensity (73–82% of HRmax) twice a week does not improve aerobic capacity, cycling performance or leg strength in highly trained veteran cyclists. However, adding training at same intensity (% of HRmax) and duration (90 min weekly) at freely chosen cadence seems beneficial for performance and physiological adaptations.

Effects of Initial Performance, Gross Efficiency and O2peak Characteristics on Subsequent Adaptations to Endurance Training in Competitive Cyclists

“…In the present study, training was executed as HIT with the addition of ad libitum LIT. A possible influencing factor on the decline in GE in the present study may be the low amount of training as moderate-intensity exercise, which may be important for maintaining GE ( Hopker et al, 2009 ; Kristoffersen et al, 2014 ).…”

“…The study by Hintzy et al (2005) used a combination of moderate- and high-intensity, but the untrained participants in the study are a likely reason for the increased GE. Furthermore, sprint and strength training led to reduced oxygen cost of submaximal cycling (i.e., GE likely increased) ( Paton and Hopkins, 2005 ), whereas low- and moderate-intensity training led to unchanged ( Kristoffersen et al, 2014 ) or increased ( Hopker et al, 2012 ) GE in cycling. Overall, the current literature indicates that both training intensity and fitness level influence the responses on GE.…”

Joint specific power production in cycling: The effect of cadence and intensity

“…Low cadence training is a commonly used mode for elite and recreational cyclists and is generally characterized by moderate intensity and cadences below 60 rpm. Although there are no clear advantages of low cadence training compared to freely chosen cadence when it comes to physiological factors [13–15], the effects of changing cadence invites the investigation of low cadence training from a technical standpoint. Based on the variety of cadences used by cyclists in training and competition, an understanding of the changes in joint specific power over a wider range of cadences than previously studied is needed.…”

Effects of submaximal and supramaximal interval training on determinants of endurance performance in endurance athletes

“…Submaximal interval training can improve endurance performance in highly endurance‐trained cyclists (Westgarth‐Taylor et al., ; Kristoffersen et al., ; Stöggl & Sperlich, ). Accumulating evidence indicates that supramaximal interval training can also increase maximal aerobic capacity in moderately active adults (Rodas et al., ; Gist et al., ; Weston et al., ), although the beneficial impact of interval training in that intensity domain remains ambiguous in athletic men maintaining usual low‐intensity base‐training (Weston et al., ).…”