Effect Of Overload Sprint Cycling On Subsequent Power Output.

Research suggests that warm-ups which elicit a post activation potentiation (PAP) effect via high intensity muscular contractions may increase performance in subsequent activities requiring strength and power. Warm-up strategies designed to elicit a PAP may positively impact performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a cycling warm-up that included a maximal overload would elicit a PAP effect and increase subsequent sprint cycling power output. Ten (age = 22 + 2yrs; mass = 75 + 15 kg;ht = 173 + 11 cm) recreationally trained athletic males (n = 7) and females (n = 3) participated in a with-in subjects design consisting of two randomly ordered sessions of sprint cycling on a bicycle ergometer with computer interface to assess power output. Two warm-up conditions were employed over two days. The standard warm-up condition consisted of a 4 minute stationary cycle ride with little resistance (1 kg) at a self-selected cadence. The overload warm-up condition consisted of the standard warm-up, plus an overload condition. That is, after the standard warm-up, in the overload condition subjects rested for 4-minutes while the weight basket was loaded to full capacity (10 kg). At 4 minutes, subjects pedaled the cycle as fast as possible. At maximal pedaling rpm, the weight basket was dropped manually, loading the cycle and starting a 10-second timer. In order to elicit complete fatigue (i.e. failure to pedal) within 8-10 seconds, the researcher pressed down as needed on the weight basket thereby increasing cycling resistance. After completing each individual warm-up condition, subjects then rested for 4-minutes, while 7.5% of the subject's body weight (kg) was loaded on the weight basket. At the 4-minute mark, subjects then pedaled the cycle as fast as possible. Once the subject reached 150 rpm (near maximal) on the cycle, the weight basket dropped, loading the cycle and starting a 10-second timer; the subject continued to pedal as hard as possible throughout the 10-second test. Paired Samples T-test was used to determine if there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in power output between the two conditions. The results of this study demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in relative (W/kg) and absolute (Watts) power output (13.1 + 3.0 vs. 13.4 + 3.0 and 1002.0 + 273.4 vs. 1030.2 + 270.5, respectively) after subjects performed a maximal sprint cycle overload as compared to a standard warm-up. Despite an increase in power in the overload condition, no difference was observed in fatigue (percent power drop) between the two conditions. Data from this study suggests that the use of an overload sprint cycle warm-up may enhance activities where peak power output is required and needs to be maintained for short bouts. The coach may consider using this type of variation in overload during their dynamic, athletic warm-up to optimize performance in sports where peak and short-term power output are key components of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]