A COMPARISON OF THE AEROBIC ENERGY DEMANDS OF TWO COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CYCLE ERGOMETERS IN TRAINED CYCLISTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the energy demands of two cycling ergometers, (Velotron Dynafit Pro and Monark 834E) commonly used in the physiological monitoring of elite athletes. Eight trained male cyclists with a minimum 2 years training and racing experience participated in the study. Each subject completed an exercise trial involving a maximal incremental test. Testing was performed in a random order on either the Velotron or Monark cycle ergometer at the same time of day with no more than 14 days between each testing session. Subjects were requested to maintain their normal training and nutritional practices during the course of the study but to refrain from any intensive training 48 hours prior to each testing session. During the incremental testing significant differences for power output (PO), heart rate (HR), and oxygen uptake (VO2) were found at both at fixed blood lactate (BL) reference points of; 2.5mmol l-1 (REF2.5mM) and at 4mmol.l-1 (REF4mM). Overall the Velotron appeared to provide a more specific measure of cycling performance with significantly lower energy demands at fixed submaximal exercise intensities being observed as well as a significantly greater peak power output and time to exhaustion being attained, which may reflect the specific cycling position adopted. Further research is required to compare the findings of this study with actual cycling performance.