The relationship between the gross efficiency and the ability to repeat the given pressure force in trained cyclists

Abstract

Purpose. the research aim was to determine the relationship between gross efficiency (E) and the ability to repeat the given pressure force (ArGPF). Methods. A group of 23 road cyclists performed an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer and a repeated isometric force test (rIFt) with lower and upper limbs. E was calculated on the basis of the estimated energy expenditure (EE) during the last 30 seconds of the submaximal work with the loads of E-100W, E-150W, E-200W, E-250W, E-300W. During rIFt, carried out on a kinesthesiometer with strain gauges, the subjects performed pressures with the force of 10 kg with upper limbs and 20 kg with lower limbs. rIFt was performed immediately before and after the incremental test; the data served to express ArGPF by means of the repeated given pressure force (rGPF) value. Results. Post-exercise rGPF for the left lower limb significantly correlated with E at all incremental test loads (r: 0.64, 0.72, 0.7, 0.63, 0.62, respectively, for 100 W, 150 W, 200 W, 250 W, and 300 W). Pre-exercise rGPF for the left upper limb significantly correlated with E at 100 W, 150 W, and 200 W loads (r: 0.68, 0.72, 0.62, respectively). Both rGPF for limbs and E positively and statistically significantly correlated with the cyclists' age. Conclusions. road cyclists with higher E presented greater variability of the repeated pressure force of the left limbs. Both characteristics show a strong relationship with the cyclists' age, which may indicate that their development depends on training experience.