Duration effects on Wingate and Functional Power Threshold test outputs in female cyclists

Abstract

The response of female cyclists depending on the functional test duration has not been studied. This study aims to analyse the effect of modification of the duration of two different functional tests: Wingate (WAnT) and Functional Power Threshold (FTP) in female cyclists. Fourteen cyclists (27 ±8 years, 1.66 ±0.08 m, and 60.6 ±7.2 kg) performed 2 test days with a 24-hour break between days, varying the test duration (WAnT 20- or 30-sec, and FTP 8- or 10-min). Relative power output, cadence, heart rate, local oxygen saturation, lactate, and rating of perceived exertion were measured in each test. Time duration did not affect the power output outcomes in both tests (p>0.05). However, WAnT of 20 sec, compared with the test of 30 sec, resulted in a lower cadence decrease in the last 5 sec (p<0.01, ES=1.3), lower heart rate variables (peak, average and variation; p<0.01, ES>0.5), and higher execution inclination of local oxygen saturation (p<0.05 and ES=1.0). In conclusion, the time variations assessed do not alters power outcomes in female cyclists. However, higher acute fatigue can be observed in the WAnT of 30 sec, which suggests the use of the test of 20 sec to allow continue training afterwards.