Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses

Fernando Klitzke Borszcz; Artur Ferreira Tramontin; Arthur Henrique Bossi; Lorival José Carminatti; Vitor Pereira Costa

doi:10.1055/s-0044-101546

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2018; 39(10): 737-742
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-101546

Training & Testing

Functional Threshold Power in Cyclists: Validity of the Concept and Physiological Responses

Fernando Klitzke Borszcz

¹Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

,

Artur Ferreira Tramontin

¹Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

,

Arthur Henrique Bossi

²School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, University of Kent, Chatham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

,

Lorival José Carminatti

¹Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

,

Vitor Pereira Costa

¹Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Functional threshold power is defined as the highest power output a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state for approximately 60 min (FTP₆₀). In order to improve practicality for regular evaluations, FTP₆₀ could theoretically be determined as 95% of the mean power output in a 20-min time trial (FTP₂₀). This study tested this assumption and the validity of FTP₂₀ and FTP₆₀ against the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion, 20- and 60-min time trials, and a time to exhaustion at FTP₂₀. Power output, heart rate and oxygen uptake representing FTP₂₀, FTP₆₀ and IAT were not different (p>0.05), and large to very large correlations were found (r=0.61 to 0.88). Bland-Altman plots between FTP₂₀, FTP₆₀ and IAT showed small bias (–1 to –5 W), but large limits of agreement ([–40 to 32 W] to [–62 to 60 W]). Time to exhaustion at FTP₂₀ was 50.9±15.7 min. In conclusion, FTP₂₀ and FTP₆₀ should not be used interchangeably on an individual basis and their validity against IAT should be interpreted with caution.

Key words

cycling - time trial - performance - pacing strategy - noninvasive test - anaerobic threshold

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References

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