High intensity cycle ergometer performance and resistive force selection: total body mass or fat free mass?

High intensity cycle ergometry of 30s duration has been widely employed to assess indices of muscle performance during maximal exercise. Traditionally, the resistive force established for such a test is determined from total body mass for a friction loaded Monark cycle ergometer, i.e. 75g.kg(-1). More recent studies have shown that traditional forces may be too light to elicit maximal performances and that optimisation protocols can produce higher peak power outputs (PPO). Conceptually, selecting the optimal resistive force according to total body mass may riot be the best approach. Fat free mass or active muscle mass may be better alternatives. Because body mass and not composition is the most commonly used index to determine resistive force, over- or underestimation of resistive force may occur. The aim of this review is to examine friction loaded cycle ergometer performance using resistive forces derived from total body mass (TBM) and fat free mass (FFM).