Bunn, J., Magal, M. Eschbach, L. C., Vogel, R., & Yow, R. (2012). Effects of warm-up duration on VO2 kinematics and lactate during a cycling time-trial. Presentation 1435 at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, San Francisco, California; May 29-June 2, 2012.

This study evaluated if the duration of a warm-up affects VO2 kinematics and lactate during a 5K cycling time-trial and if it influenced the whole or only part of a cycling time-trial. Trained cyclists (N = 16) completed a cycling graded exercise test to measure maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and lactate threshold, followed by an orientation session to practice the time-trial. At subsequent weekly visits, Ss completed one of three warm-up protocols, in randomized order followed by the time-trial. The warm-up protocols included: 1) a short-duration three-minute warm-up at 60% max power, 2) a long-duration warm-up of 10 minutes at 60% max power, and 3) a no warm-up control. All cycle testing was completed using a stationary cycle simulator and each S provided a personal bicycle. Warm-up treatments were compared for oxygen consumption, time-trial duration, and lactate at the 1K split and the total 5K.

There were no differences between type of warm-up for VO2, post-time-trial lactate levels, or time-trial time. There were also no differences between warm-ups after 1K for VO2 or 1K split time.

Implication. Three warm-ups, including a no warm-up control, did not affect cycling performance partially or totally.

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