Abstract
High intensity exercise tests are designed to measure maximal power output. We propose that the peak power output (PPO) is influenced by the experimental protocol used to measure it, and that the external optimal load is closely matched to the capacity of the active muscle.
Purpose
We measured power values generated during brief high intensity cycle ergometry in which the loading protocols depended on total body mass (TBM) or fat free mass (FFM).
Methods
International rugby union players (forwards and backs; n=16) volunteered as subjects. Body density was calculated from the sum of skinfold thicknesses, with fat mass ascertained from body density values. Subjects were required to pedal maximally on a cycle ergometer (Monark 864) against random loads ranging from 70 g.kg-1–95 g.kg-1 (TBM or FFM protocol) for a 6 second period.
Results
PPO for backs and forwards using the TBM protocol were 1108 ± 84 W vs 1393 ± 144 W respectively. Using the FFM protocol the peak power output values increased (P <0.01) for both groups (1163 ± 100 W for backs vs 1481 ± 137 W forwards). Differences in performance (P <0.01) were observed between forwards and backs for power output, cradle resistive forces and pedal revolutions (6.7 ± 0.6 kg TBM vs 6.2 ± 0.5 kg FFM for backs; 8.9 ± 0.9 kg TBM vs 8.2 ± 0.9 kg FFM for forwards; 143 ± 8.6 rpm-1 TBM vs 147 ± 5.2 rpm-1 FFM for backs; 137 ± 8.2 rpm-1 TBM vs 147 ± 5.2 rpm-1 FFM for forwards).
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that rugby union forwards are more powerful than rugby union backs. Increased peak power output values observed during optimisation procedures for FFM, indicate that this protocol represents a method by which greater peak power can be obtained consistently during high intensity cycle ergometry. Loading procedures that relate to the active muscle tissue utilised during this type of exercise may need to be explored in preference to protocols that include both lean and fat masses.
Purpose
We measured power values generated during brief high intensity cycle ergometry in which the loading protocols depended on total body mass (TBM) or fat free mass (FFM).
Methods
International rugby union players (forwards and backs; n=16) volunteered as subjects. Body density was calculated from the sum of skinfold thicknesses, with fat mass ascertained from body density values. Subjects were required to pedal maximally on a cycle ergometer (Monark 864) against random loads ranging from 70 g.kg-1–95 g.kg-1 (TBM or FFM protocol) for a 6 second period.
Results
PPO for backs and forwards using the TBM protocol were 1108 ± 84 W vs 1393 ± 144 W respectively. Using the FFM protocol the peak power output values increased (P <0.01) for both groups (1163 ± 100 W for backs vs 1481 ± 137 W forwards). Differences in performance (P <0.01) were observed between forwards and backs for power output, cradle resistive forces and pedal revolutions (6.7 ± 0.6 kg TBM vs 6.2 ± 0.5 kg FFM for backs; 8.9 ± 0.9 kg TBM vs 8.2 ± 0.9 kg FFM for forwards; 143 ± 8.6 rpm-1 TBM vs 147 ± 5.2 rpm-1 FFM for backs; 137 ± 8.2 rpm-1 TBM vs 147 ± 5.2 rpm-1 FFM for forwards).
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that rugby union forwards are more powerful than rugby union backs. Increased peak power output values observed during optimisation procedures for FFM, indicate that this protocol represents a method by which greater peak power can be obtained consistently during high intensity cycle ergometry. Loading procedures that relate to the active muscle tissue utilised during this type of exercise may need to be explored in preference to protocols that include both lean and fat masses.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S337-S337 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | Supplement 5 |
| Publication status | Published - May 2003 |
| Externally published | Yes |