Current methods, concepts and theories regarding mobile power meters in cycling : A critical review of the physiological and pedagogical implications for training,racing and performance testing

Sammanfattning: Aim This critical review is aimed at the methods, concepts and theories currently employed and advocated by users of mobile power meters (PM) in cycling and the physiological and pedagogical implications they have for training, racing and performance testing. Method The methods, concepts and theories reviewed were chosen since they generated the most hits from a search on the Google Groups Wattage (http://groups.google.com/group/wattage) discussion forum, which is the largest internet forum for PM-related discussions. After the selection of methods, concepts and theories a search in the data bases available at College of Dalarna was made to find if they had any support in the scientific literature. Results The methods, concepts and theories included are: 1. Pacing strategy and racing tactics 2. General considerations for performance testing with a PM. Tests for alactic anaerobic and maximal neuromuscular power, anaerobic lactic power, maximal aerobic power and power related to VO2max and anaerobic threshold power. Performance profiling, scaling and ratios for power output and interpreting changes in testing results. 3. Quantifying the power output demands of racing for designing training programs and other preparations. 4. Andrew Coggans and Richard Sterns power based training zones and the relationship between power output and perceived exertion. 5. Analysis of training and racing power output with tools such as Normalized Power™, Intensity Factor™, Quadrant Analysis™, energy expenditure and how pedaling dynamics affect this analysis. 6. Planning, monitoring and managing the training process with tools such as Training Stress Score™, Performance Manager Chart™ and “power-to-heart rate decoupling”. 7. Theoretical basis for the role of the PM in the inter-personal and intra-personal communication. Conclusions This review has shown that there are several very promising methods, concepts and theories related to the use of PM’s in cycling. Presently, however, most of these are in need of further research to investigate their affect on performance and how to improve their validity and reliability.