Change in sprint cycling torque is not associated with change in isometric force following six weeks of sprint cycling and resistance training in strength-trained novice cyclists

Abstract

Strong relationships exist between sprint cycling torque and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force production at one timepoint; however, the relationships between the changes in these measures following a training period are not well understood. Accordingly, this study examined the relationships in the changes of sprint cycling torque and IMTP force following six-weeks of sprint cycling and resistance training performed by strength-trained novice cyclists (n = 14). Cycling power, cadence, torque and IMTP force (Peak force [PF]/torque, average and peak rate of force/torque development [RFD/RTD], and RFD/RTD from 0 to 100 ms and 0–200 ms) were assessed before and after training. Training consisted of three resistance and three sprint cycling sessions per week. Training resulted in improvements in IMTP PF (13.1%) and RFD measures (23.7%–32.5%), cycling absolute (10.7%) and relative (10.5%) peak power, peak torque (11.7%) and RTD measures (27.9%–56.7%). Strong-to-very strong relationships were observed between cycling torque and IMTP force measures pre- (r = 0.57–0.84; p < 0.05) and post-training (r = 0.63–0.87; p < 0.05), but no relationship (p > 0.05) existed between training-induced changes in cycling torque and IMTP force. Divergent training-induced changes in sprint cycling torque and IMTP force indicate that these measures assess distinct neuromuscular attributes. Training-induced changes in IMTP force are not indicative of training-induced changes in sprint cycling torque.