The 4-km field-based test is correlated to some physiological parameters of elite cyclists
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2020 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Sport Science |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://sportscience.ba/pdf/br26a.pdf |
| Keywords | cardiorespiratory fitness; athletes; field testing; ergometry; correlation |
| Attached files | |
| Description | Background: Although studies have shown that field-based tests used to assess the level of sports performance are correlated to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), little evidence has been provided regarding the correlations with other physiological parameters such as maximal power output (MP), maximal heart rate (HRmax), minute ventilation (MV) and respiratory frequency (RF) in aerobic athletes. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the correlations between the 4-km field-based test and some physiological parameters in elite cyclists. Methods: Thirty-two elite male cyclists (mean ± SD; height = 179.6 ± 6.4 cm, weight = 72.2 ± 13.5 kg, body mass index = 22.3 ± 3.6 kg/m2, fat mass = 10.4 ± 5.5 %) completed the 4-km test. VO2max, HRmax, MPabsolute and MPrelative power output, MV and RF were determined from indirect calorimetry using an incremental protocol. The 4-km test was assessed based on the finishing time in seconds. The correlations between the 4-km test and physiological profile variables were determined by the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Results: A strong correlation (r = -0.70, p < 0.001) between the 4-km test and VO2max was observed. The 4-km test was also correlated with MPabsolute (r = -0.50, p = 0.004), MPrelative (r = -0.51, p = 0.003) and MV (r = -0.32, p = 0.05), while no significant correlations with HRmax (r = -0.09, p = 0.641) and RF (r = -0.22, p = 0.231) were observed. Conclusions: This study shows that the 4-km field-based test is correlated with VO2max, power output and MV in elite cyclists |