Exponential Functions Permit Estimation of Anaerobic Work Capacity and Critical Power from Less than 2 Min All-Out Test
The Critical Power Model (CPM) is key for assessing athletes’ aerobic and anaerobic energy systems but typically involves lengthy, exhausting protocols. The 3 min all-out test (3MT) simplifies CPM assessment, yet its duration remains demanding. Exponential decay models, specifically mono- and bi-exp...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Algorithms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4893/17/11/532 |
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| Summary: | The Critical Power Model (CPM) is key for assessing athletes’ aerobic and anaerobic energy systems but typically involves lengthy, exhausting protocols. The 3 min all-out test (3MT) simplifies CPM assessment, yet its duration remains demanding. Exponential decay models, specifically mono- and bi-exponential functions, offer a more efficient alternative by accurately capturing the nonlinear energy dynamics in high-intensity efforts. This study explores shortening the 3MT using these functions to reduce athlete strain while preserving the accuracy of critical power (CP) and work capacity (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><msup><mi mathvariant="normal">W</mi><mo>′</mo></msup></semantics></math></inline-formula>) estimates. Seventy-six competitive cyclists and triathletes completed a 3MT on a cycle ergometer, with CP and <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><msup><mi mathvariant="normal">W</mi><mo>′</mo></msup></semantics></math></inline-formula> calculated at shorter intervals. Results showed that a 90 s test using the bi-exponential model yielded CP and <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><msup><mi mathvariant="normal">W</mi><mo>′</mo></msup></semantics></math></inline-formula> values similar to those of the full 3MT. Meanwhile, the mono-exponential model required at least 135 s. Bland–Altman and linear regression analyses confirmed that a 120 s test with the mono-exponential model reliably estimated CP and <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><msup><mi mathvariant="normal">W</mi><mo>′</mo></msup></semantics></math></inline-formula> with minimal physical strain. These findings support a shortened, less-demanding 3MT as a valid alternative for CPM assessment. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4893 |