Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine oxygen consumption rate (VO2), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) responses, as well as time to exhaustion (Tlim) values during continuous rides at critical power (CP) determined from the 3-min all-out test. Eighteen participants (mean ± s: 23.6 ± 3.5 years; 72.7 ± 18.2 kg) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion to determine peak oxygen consumption rate (VO2 peak) and HR peak. Critical power was determined from the 3-min all-out test. Metabolic responses (VO2 and heart rate), RPE, and Tlim were recorded during continuous rides to exhaustion at CP. Linear regression and t-tests were used to compare VO2, heart rate, and RPE responses during the continuous rides to exhaustion. The Tlim at CP was 12.5 ± 6.5 min. There were significant increases in VO2, HR, and RPE during the continuous rides at CP and 15 of the 18 participants reached VO2 peak at exhaustion. Therefore, the VO2, heart rate, and RPE responses, as well as the Tlim values in the present study suggested that CP determined from the 3-min all-out test overestimated the ‘‘true’’ CP and was within the severe exercise intensity domain. Verf.-Referat