Glaister, M., Stone, M. H., Stewart, A. M., Hughes, M. G., & Moir, G. L. (2006). The influence of endurance training on multiple sprint cycling performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 2578.

The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of endurance training on multiple sprint cycling performance and to evaluate the influence of recovery duration on the magnitude of those effects. Physically active males (N = 21) were assigned to either an experimental (N = 12) or a control (N = 9) group. The experimental group cycled for 20 minutes each day, three times per week, for six weeks at 70% of the power output required to elicit maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Multiple sprint performance was assessed using two maximal (20 x 5 s) sprint cycling tests with contrasting recovery periods (10 s or 30 s). All tests were conducted on a friction-braked cycle ergometer.

Endurance capacity increased significantly in the experimental group when compared to the control group. Anaerobic capacity did not change. The experimental group showed substantial improvements, relative to controls, in multiple sprint measures of maximum and mean power output. Reductions in fatigue were inconsequential.

Implication. In non-specialist Ss, six weeks of endurance training resulted in substantial improvements in multiple sprint cycling performance that was unrelated to between repetition recovery periods. This illustrates a simple continuous training effect that is related to the volume of aerobic work completed. [Such effects are not likely to occur with elite highly-trained athletes.]

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