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OFFSEASON TRAINING FOR IMPROVING PEAK VO2 IN MASTER CYCLISTS

SA Cory
S Simmons

Abstract

S.A. Cory, S. Simmons

Corban University, Salem, OR

The affects of training to improve peak VO2 during the offseason remain largely unidentified in regards to frequency and specificity of training. PURPOSE: To investigate which type of training improves peak VO2 numbers in master cyclists. Cyclists were selected from a local riding club in the state of Oregon and were tested during a portion of the offseason (early fall to mid-spring). Physical training varied per cyclist and pre and post VO2 max measurements were taken to determine which training method elicited a greater change in VO2. METHODS: Master competitive cyclists (N=4, mean age 49.75 ± SD 6.3) pre- and post-tested peak VO2 on personal bicycles, while training for 11 weeks between the two tests. Each trained a minimum of 4 days/week, logging duration and activity type. Rider 1 trained through the incorporation of indoor and outdoor riding, as well as core stability; rider 2 followed a riding protocol on a fixed indoor trainer; rider 3 used cross-training (weight lifting, swimming, and running) combined with outdoor riding; rider 4 trained on both a fixed indoor trainer and an elliptical machine. The individual results were compared with each rider, as well as among the entire group in order to assess which method of training led to a greater improvement in peak VO2. RESULTS: After performing a Kolmorgorov-Smirnov test, it was found the group was normally distributed (p=0.1) A t-test was then performed. There was no statistically significant difference in pre and post VO2 values for the participants, t (3)=2.7, p= .07 (pre-test M= 43.07 ml/kg/min (± SD 4.67), post-test M=46.35 ml/kg/min (± 3.62)). The pre and post-test data revealed the VO2 from the riders as follows: Rider 1 pre= 37.8 (ml/kg/min), post= 41.8 (ml/kg/min); Rider 2 pre= 47.1 (ml/kg/min), post= 47.6 (ml/kg/min); Rider 3 pre= 43.6 (ml/kg/min), post= 45.6 (ml/kg/min); and Rider 4 pre= 45.2 (ml/kg/min), post= 50.4 (ml/kg/min). Rider 1 increased peak VO2 by 10.5%, rider 2 increased by 1.0%, rider 3 increased by 4.4%, and rider 4 increased by 11.5%. CONCLUSION: Although the sample size was small, the pilot study showed similar changes in peak VO2 with different methods of training when performed for 4 days/week. Four days per week of off-season training can elicit positive changes in VO2. Further investigation should be done to compare which specific modes and training duration could elicit the best improvements in VO2 for master cyclists.

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