Open AccessThe laboratory-assessed performance predictors of elite cross-country marathon mountain bikers
Author(s) -
Everton Crívoi do Carmo,
Renato Barroso,
Danilo Leite Prado,
Allan Inoue,
Tatiane Machado,
César Cavinato Cal Abad,
Irineu Loturco,
Valmor Tricoli
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
kinesiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1848-638X
pISSN - 1331-1441
DOI - 10.26582/k.53.2.9
Subject(s) - isometric exercise , biceps , jump , mathematics , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , physics , quantum mechanics
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between laboratory-assessed variablesand cross-country marathon mountain biking (XCM-MTB) performance to suggest amore practical approach to monitor performance during the competitive phase. Nineelite athletes performed a battery of tests during the competitive phase of the season, one week before the race. Correlations between the physiological and neuromuscular laboratory-assessed variables and mean race completion time were verified and a multiple regression model was calculated. Cycling economy (r=0.86), power output at the first (POVT1; r=-0.73) and second ventilatory threshold (POVT2; r=-0.94), VO2peak (r=-0.71), peak power output (r=-0.91); peak power (r=-0.80), and mean power (r=-0.85) were very strongly related to race performance. TMG-derivate factors as rectus femoris (r=-0.61) and biceps femoris (r=-0.59) contraction velocity, 30-cm drop jump performance (r=-0.59), mean propulsive power in jump squat at 40% (JS40%; r=-0.65) and 60% (JS60%; r=-0.62) of athlete’s body weight and lower limbs maximal isometric voluntary strength (r=-0.59) were strongly related to race completion time. In an isolated way, the POVT2 explained 87% of race performance. Although both physiological and neuromuscular variables are related to XCM performance, the POVT2 seems to be the main variable during the competitive phase and an easy-to-apply approach should be used to monitor athletes’ performance.