Training intensity distribution in road cyclists: objective versus subjective measures

Sanders, Dajo, Myers, Tony and Akubat, Ibrahim (2017) Training intensity distribution in road cyclists: objective versus subjective measures. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12 (9). pp. 1232-1237. ISSN 1555-0265

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Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate training intensity distribution using different intensity measures based on session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), heart rate (HR) and power output (PO) in well-trained cyclists. Methods: Fifteen road cyclists participated in the study. Training data was collected during a 10-week training period. Training intensity distribution was quantified using HR, PO and sRPE categorized in a 3-zone training intensity model. Three zones for HR and PO were based around a first and second lactate threshold. The three sRPE zones were defined using a 10-point scale: zone 1, sRPE scores 1-4; zone 2, sRPE scores 5-6; zone 3, sRPE scores 7-10. Results: Training intensity distribution as percentages of time spent in zone 1, zone 2 and zone 3 was moderate to very largely different for sRPE (44.9%, 29.9%, 25.2%) compared to HR (86.8%, 8.8%, 4.4%) and PO (79.5%, 9.0%, 11.5%). Time in zone 1 quantified using sRPE was large to very largely lower for sRPE compared to PO (P < 0.001) and HR (P < 0.001). Time in zone 2 and zone 3 was moderate to very largely higher when quantified using sRPE compared to intensity quantified using HR (P < 0.001) and PO (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Training intensity distribution quantified using sRPE demonstrates moderate to very large differences compared to intensity distributions quantified based on HR and PO. The choice of intensity measure impacts on the intensity distribution and has implications for training load quantification, training prescription and the evaluation of training characteristics.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Accepted author manuscript version reprinted, by permission, from International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2017, 12(9): 1232-1237 https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0523 . © Human Kinetics, Inc.
Divisions: Faculty of of Arts, Society and Professional Studies > Department of Health and Behavioural Sciences
Depositing User: Jane Faux
Date Deposited: 21 Nov 2017 16:06
Last Modified: 13 Feb 2019 16:21
URI: https://newman.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17200

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