Effect of varying recovery intensities on power outputs during severe intensity intervals in trained cyclists during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The study aimed to investigate the effects of different recovery intensities on the power outputs of repeated severe intensity intervals and the implications for W′ reconstitution in trained cyclists. Methods Eighteen trained cyclists (FTP 258.0 ± 42.7 W; weekly training 8.6 ± 1.7 h∙week−1) familiar with interval training, use of the Zwift® platform throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and previously established FTP (95% of mean power output from a 20-min test), performed 5 × 3-min severe intensity efforts interspersed with 2-min recoveries. Recovery intensities were: 50 W (LOW), 50% of functional threshold power (MOD), and self-selected power output (SELF). Results Whilst power outputs declined as the session progressed, mean power outputs during the severe intervals across the conditions were not different to each other (LOW 300.1 ± 48.1 W; MOD: 296.9 ± 50.4 W; SELF: 298.8 ± 53.3 W) despite the different recovery conditions. Mean power outputs of the self-selected recovery periods were 121.7 ± 26.2 W. However, intensity varied during the self-selected recovery periods, with values in the last 15 s being greater than the first 15 s (p < 0.001) and decreasing throughout the session (128.7 ± 25.4 W to 113.9 ± 29.3 W). Conclusion Reducing recovery intensities below 50% of FTP failed to enhance subsequent severe intensity intervals, suggesting that a lower limit for optimal W′ reconstitution had been reached. As self-selected recoveries were seen to adapt to maintain the severe intensity power output as the session progressed, adopting such a strategy might be preferential for interval training sessions.