Maximal power output on the bicycle ergometer : its relationship to selected strength and aerobic capacity measurements

Abstract

Recently, investigations have demonstrated significant relationships between muscular power (the combination of or interaction between strength and speed) and athletic performance. Initiation of improvements in power output capacity will first involve identifying individual weaknesses in specific power parameters. This study was proposed to evaluate variations in power output between selected subjects. Characteristics of aerobic endurance and muscular strength were also examined for possible relationships to power parameters. Fifty-one male students aged 17-24 served as subjects in this investigation and were tested on three different occasions for predicted maximal oxygen uptake (predicted Vo2), isokinetic strength, and short-term power output. Pearson correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures were performed on subject data (N=51) to examine power parameters. Peak power (PP) correlated with both average power (AP) and power decline (PD) while PD correlated positively with AP and negatively with time to peak power (TTPP) (p<0.05). Operationally defined groups of high and low PP differed significantly with regard to AP and PD means and operationally defined groups of high and low PD differed significantly with regard to TTPP means. Extension strength, predicted Vo2, and selected power variables were also evaluated by Pearson correlation procedures. AP and PP were both found to correlate significantly with slow extension strength (SEXT), fast extension strength (FEXT), and predicted Vo2. ANOVA procedures were then performed for SEXT, FEXT, and predicted Vo2 with regard to PP and AP levels. Findings suggested that subjects grouped high in PP and AP have similarly high extension strength capabilities. Based on the results of this investigation, it was concluded that there are differences in power parameters between selected subjects. Also, subjects grouped high in PP and AP were stronger and had greater PD.