The relationship between neuromuscular function and the W’ in elite cyclists

Kordi, Mehdi, Parker-Simpson, Len, Thomas, Kevin, Goodall, Stuart, Madden-Wilkinson, Tom, Menzies, Campbell and Howatson, Glyn (2021) The relationship between neuromuscular function and the W’ in elite cyclists. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 16 (11). pp. 1656-1662. ISSN 1555-0265

[img]
Preview
Text
Accepted_version.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (357kB) | Preview
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2020-0861

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the association between the W′ and measures of neuromuscular function relating to the capacity of skeletal muscle to produce force in a group of elite cyclists. Methods: Twenty-two athletes specializing in a range of disciplines and competing internationally volunteered to participate. Athletes completed assessments of maximum voluntary torque (MVT), voluntary activation, and isometric maximum voluntary contraction to measure rate of torque development (RTD). This was followed by assessment of peak power output (PPO) and 3-, 5-, and 12-minute time trials to determine critical power. Pearson correlation was used to examine associations with critical power and W′. Goodness of fit was calculated, and significant relationships were included in a linear stepwise regression model. Results: Significant positive relationships were evident between W′ and MVT (r = .82), PPO (r = .70), and RTD at 200 milliseconds (r = .59) but not with RTD at 50 milliseconds and voluntary activation. Correlations were also observed between critical power and RTD at 200 milliseconds and MVT (r = .54 and r = .51, respectively) but not with PPO, voluntary activation, or RTD at 50 milliseconds. The regression analysis found that 87% of the variability in W′ (F1,18 = 68.75; P < .001) was explained by 2 variables: MVT (81%) and PPO (6%). Conclusions: It is likely that muscle size and strength, as opposed to neural factors, contribute meaningfully to W′. These data can be used to establish training methods to enhance W′ to improve cycling performance in well-trained athletes.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Accepted author manuscript version reprinted, by permission, from International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2021. © Human Kinetics, Inc.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Elite athletes, power-duration, muscle strength, critical power, neuromuscular
Subjects: B100 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
C600 Sports Science
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Depositing User: Rachel Branson
Date Deposited: 11 Jan 2021 11:00
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2021 16:15
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/45183

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics