Time trials versus time-to-exhaustion tests: Effects on critical power, W0, and oxygen-uptake kinetics

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate single-day time-to-exhaustion (TTE) and time-trial (TT) -based laboratory tests values of critical power (CP), W prime (W0), and respective oxygen-uptake-kinetic responses. Methods: Twelve cyclists performed a maximal ramp test followed by 3 TTE and 3 TT efforts interspersed by 60 min recovery between efforts. Oxygen uptake (VO 2) was measured during all trials. The mean response time was calculated as a description of the overall VO 2-kinetic response from the onset to 2 min of exercise. Results: TTE-determined CP was 279 ± 52 W, and TT-determined CP was 276 ± 50 W (P = .237). Values of W0 were 14.3 ± 3.4 kJ (TTE W0) and 16.5 ± 4.2 kJ (TT W0) (P = .028). While a high level of agreement (?12 to 17 W) and a low prediction error of 2.7% were established for CP, for W0 limits of agreements were markedly lower (?8 to 3.7 kJ), with a prediction error of 18.8%. The mean standard error for TTE CP values was significantly higher than that for TT CP values (2.4% ± 1.9% vs 1.2% ± 0.7% W). The standard errors for TTE W0 and TT W0 were 11.2% ± 8.1% and 5.6% ± 3.6%, respectively. The VO 2 response was significantly faster during TT (~22 s) than TTE (~28 s). Conclusions: The TT protocol with a 60-min recovery period offers a valid, time-saving, and less error-filled alternative to conventional and more recent testing methods. Results, however, cannot be transferred to W0.