Maximal Sustained Isokinetic Power at Exercise Intolerance is not Critical Power

Abstract

The asymptote of the hyperbolic power-duration relationship, critical power (CP), demarcates sustainable from non-sustainable exercise. CP is a salient parameter within the theoretical framework determining exercise tolerance. However, measuring CP is time consuming – typically 4 constant-power exercise tests to intolerance, or a 3-min all-out sprint is required.

To determine whether 30 s of maximal isokinetic cycling, immediately following the limit of tolerance, approximates CP.

Fifteen participants (7 women, 8 men, 23±5 yr, 71±12 kg, V̇O_2peak 4.39±1.04 L·min⁻¹; 61±9 mL·kg·min⁻¹) completed 4 constant supra-CP exercise tests to intolerance. Each test was followed immediately by a 30 s maximal isokinetic effort at 80 rpm. Mean isokinetic power was compared to the known CP.

Mean±SD CP was 159±47 W (CI₉₅ 133, 185 W). Maximal isokinetic power immediately following intolerance was greater (p<0.05) than CP in all but one comparison (181±51 vs. 159±47 W; p>0.07). However, this closest estimation, following the longest duration constant-power test, resulted in 21 W of mean bias and wide limits of agreement (±84 W).

Isokinetic power measured immediately following intolerance consistently overestimated critical power. Thus, an adjunct of 30 s maximal isokinetic cycling immediately following the limit of tolerance does not approximate critical power.

Key words

isokinetic - cycling - fatigue

equal contribution

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