Saturday, August 22, 2009

Physiological Factors Of Cycling

By Alison Addy

Body-Similar to other sports cycling is also a great sport that demands great fitness levels for the cyclists. The success of the cyclist in a professional tournament will depend on the fitness level that he has. There are several tests that are used to test the fitness level of the cyclists.

The most important feature in determining the endurance level of a cyclist depends on high maximal oxygen uptake and peak aerobic power output that may prove beneficial. In concurrence with this is the ability to sustain a high economy of motion. The cyclist will use least amount of oxygen to achieve the highest level of performance. Endurance and sprint abilities are very essential in cycle racing and anaerobic power and capacity play a vital role.

There are various books on laboratory-based methods of measurement. The general synopsis is that there is no definitive laboratory based test to determine the physiological characteristics of an athlete. The preferred method of testing is an indication of the choice of the sport scientist or the needs of an athlete.

Athletes are often tested for physiology (metabolic or heart rate) to determine their level of comfort while racing. They get appropriate training from this. The physiological factors can affect the heart rate, VO2max, and anaerobic threshold. The trainers are aware of these factors but it is important for the athletes to know these factors.

There are certain factors affecting the performance like

Temperature-heart rate is high when the temperature is high according to heart rate monitors.

Time of the day-An athlete's metabolic system will take time to adjust according to the time

Altitude- Heart rates vary according to the altitude.

Type of activity- Heart rate changes for different activities like cycling, swimming, running. For instance while cycling there are different positions like pedaling, cadence, stomping for which the heart rates can be different.

Hormones- Adrenaline output varies from person to person. When an athlete is in competition with his rival then the heart rate will be high as compared to that of training or lab setting.

Caffeine-Consumption of caffeine can induce the heart rate. It can harm the metabolic system.

Cardiac drift- A person's heart rate increases after a short duration of time say 20 minutes. During this time there is a fall in lactate threshold.

Smoking- causes delay in the heart rate.

Cycling is a sport, which involves high aerobic activity; therefore the above physiological factors determine the individual performance.

Read full article about interval endurance training and lactate threshold available at this web.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment