Reproducibility of estimated optimal peak output using a force-velocity test on a cycle ergometer

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the reproducibility of estimated peak power and estimated pedal velocity in a multi-trial 10-s all-out cycling test among adult athletes (n = 22; aged 23.50±4.73 years). Stature, sitting height and body mass were measured. Leg length was estimated as stature minus sitting height. Body volume was obtained from air displacement plethysmography and was subsequently used to calculate body density. Fat mass and fat-free mass were derived. The short-term power outputs were assessed from the force-velocity test (FVT), using a friction-braked ergometer on two separated occasions. Differences between repeated measurements were examined with paired t-test and effect sizes calculated. No significant differences were found between session 1 (898 W, 142 rpm) and session 2 (906 W, 142 rpm). Test-retest procedure showed acceptable reliability for estimated peak power output [technical error of measurement (TEM) = 31.9 W; % coefficient of variation (CV) = 3.5; intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.986] and pedal velocity (TEM = 5.4 rpm, %CV = 3.8, ICC = 0.924). The current study demonstrated a reasonable reproducibility of estimated peak power and pedal velocity outputs in non-elite male athletes and supports that a familiarization session including a complete FVT protocol is not required.

Fig 1

Agreement of repeated measures for peak power optimal braking force (PP-OFb; panel A) and velocity optimal braking force (V-OFb; panel B). The relation between residuals (absolute mean differences between session 2 and session 1) and the corresponding mean (heteroscedasticity diagnostic) are also presented [95% confidence intervals (95% CI)]. The dashed lines represent 95% limits of agreement (±1.96 SD); lower limits of agreement (LLA) and upper limits of agreement (ULA).