The ramp and all-out exercise test to determine critical power: validity and robustness to manipulations in body position

Goulding, Richie P.; Roche, Denise M.; Marwood, Simon

doi:10.1007/s00421-021-04739-9

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 35 publications

(79 reference statements)

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“…Another strategy may be to partially deplete work above MMSS prior to a 3MT R with a planned severeintensity effort. This approach is similar to what has been investigated recently in a laboratory setting, whereby a ramp test is performed prior to a 3MT (Goulding et al 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

A three-minute all-out test performed in a remote setting does not provide a valid estimate of the maximum metabolic steady state

et al. 2022

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Purpose The three-minute all-out test (3MT), when performed on a laboratory ergometer in a linear mode, can be used to estimate the heavy–severe-intensity transition, or maximum metabolic steady state (MMSS), using the end-test power output. As the 3MT only requires accurate measurement of power output and time, it is possible the 3MT could be used in remote settings using personal equipment without supervision for quantification of MMSS. Methods The aim of the present investigation was to determine the reliability and validity of remotely performed 3MTs (3MTR) for estimation of MMSS. Accordingly, 53 trained cyclists and triathletes were recruited to perform one familiarisation and two experimental 3MTR trials to determine its reliability. A sub-group (N = 10) was recruited to perform three-to-five 30 min laboratory-based constant-work rate trials following completion of one familiarisation and two experimental 3MTR trials. Expired gases were collected throughout constant-work rate trials and blood lactate concentration was measured at 10 and 30 min to determine the highest power output at which steady-state $${{\dot{V}O}}_{2}$$ V ˙ O 2 (MMSS-$${{\dot{V}O}}_{2}$$ V ˙ O 2 ) and blood lactate (MMSS-[La−]) were achieved. Results The 3MTR end-test power (EPremote) was reliable (coefficient of variation, 4.5% [95% confidence limits, 3.7, 5.5%]), but overestimated MMSS (EPremote, 283 ± 51 W; MMSS-$${{\dot{V}O}}_{2}$$ V ˙ O 2 , 241 ± 46 W, P = 0.0003; MMSS-[La−], 237 ± 47 W, P = 0.0003). This may have been due to failure to deplete the finite work capacity above MMSS during the 3MTR. Conclusion These results suggest that the 3MTR should not be used to estimate MMSS in endurance-trained cyclists.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

A three-minute all-out test performed in a remote setting does not provide a valid estimate of the maximum metabolic steady state

et al. 2022

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Skeletal muscle mitochondrial correlates of critical power and W' in healthy active individuals

Peden,

Rogers,

Mitchell

et al. 2024

Experimental Physiology

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The asymptote (critical power; CP) and curvature constant (W') of the hyperbolic power–duration relationship can predict performance within the severe‐intensity exercise domain. However, the extent to which these parameters relate to skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and respiratory function is not known. Fifteen males (peak O2 uptake, 52.2 ± 8.7 mL kg−1 min−1; peak work rate, 366 ± 40 W; and gas exchange threshold, 162 ± 41 W) performed three to five constant‐load tests to task failure for the determination of CP (246 ± 44 W) and W' (18.6 ± 4.1 kJ). Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis to determine citrate synthase (CS) activity, as a marker of mitochondrial content, and the ADP‐stimulated respiration (P) and maximal electron transfer (E) through mitochondrial complexes (C) I–IV. The CP was positively correlated with CS activity (absolute CP, r = 0.881, P < 0.001; relative CP, r = 0.751, P = 0.001). The W' was not correlated with CS activity (P > 0.05). Relative CP was positively correlated with mass‐corrected CI + IIE (r = 0.659, P = 0.038), with absolute CP being inversely correlated with CS activity‐corrected CIVE (r = −0.701, P = 0.024). Relative W' was positively correlated with CS activity‐corrected CI + IIP (r = 0.713, P = 0.021) and the phosphorylation control ratio (r = 0.661, P = 0.038). There were no further correlations between CP or W' and mitochondrial respiratory variables. These findings support the assertion that skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity is positively associated with CP and that this relationship is strongly determined by mitochondrial content.

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Exponential Functions Permit Estimation of Anaerobic Work Capacity and Critical Power from Less than 2 Min All-Out Test

Tsai,

Thomas,

Klimstra

2024

Algorithms

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The Critical Power Model (CPM) is key for assessing athletes’ aerobic and anaerobic energy systems but typically involves lengthy, exhausting protocols. The 3 min all-out test (3MT) simplifies CPM assessment, yet its duration remains demanding. Exponential decay models, specifically mono- and bi-exponential functions, offer a more efficient alternative by accurately capturing the nonlinear energy dynamics in high-intensity efforts. This study explores shortening the 3MT using these functions to reduce athlete strain while preserving the accuracy of critical power (CP) and work capacity (W′) estimates. Seventy-six competitive cyclists and triathletes completed a 3MT on a cycle ergometer, with CP and W′ calculated at shorter intervals. Results showed that a 90 s test using the bi-exponential model yielded CP and W′ values similar to those of the full 3MT. Meanwhile, the mono-exponential model required at least 135 s. Bland–Altman and linear regression analyses confirmed that a 120 s test with the mono-exponential model reliably estimated CP and W′ with minimal physical strain. These findings support a shortened, less-demanding 3MT as a valid alternative for CPM assessment.

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The ramp and all-out exercise test to determine critical power: validity and robustness to manipulations in body position

Cited by 3 publications

References 35 publications

A three-minute all-out test performed in a remote setting does not provide a valid estimate of the maximum metabolic steady state

A three-minute all-out test performed in a remote setting does not provide a valid estimate of the maximum metabolic steady state

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial correlates of critical power and W' in healthy active individuals

Exponential Functions Permit Estimation of Anaerobic Work Capacity and Critical Power from Less than 2 Min All-Out Test

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