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Age difference in efficiency of locomotion and maximal power output in well-trained triathletes

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 09:33 authored by Brisswalter, J, Wu, SX, Sultana, F, Bernard, T, Abbiss, CR

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of age on cycling efficiency and sprint power output in well-trained endurance masters athletes.

METHODS: The investigation was conducted on 60 healthy well-trained triathletes separated into six separate groups (n = 10) depending on age: 20-29 years old; 30-39 years old; 40-49 years old; 50-59 years old; 60-69 years old; 70 years old. Each participant attended the laboratory on three separate occasions to perform (1) an incremental cycling test, (2) maximal peak sprint power test, involving three 5-s sprint efforts (3) and a 10-min sub-maximal cycling test for determination of cycling efficiency.

RESULTS: Cycling efficiency decreased beyond 50 years (50-59 years compared with 20-29 years: -7.3 ± 1.8%; p < 0.05) and continued to decrease beyond 60 years (60-69 years compared with 50-59 years: -10.7 ± 2.4%; p < 0.05), no further decrease was observed after 70 years. A continuous impairment in maximal sprint power output was observed after the age of 50 years leading to an overall decrease of 36% between 20-29 years and >70 years. Significant positive relationships were observed between maximal sprint power output and both cycling efficiency (r(2) = 0.64, p < 0.05) and maximal aerobic power (r(2) = 0.42 and p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The present data indicates a significant effect of ageing on cycling efficiency and maximal sprint power output after 50 years and a significant relationship was found between these two parameters.

History

Publication title

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Volume

114

Issue

12

Pagination

2579-86

ISSN

1439-6319

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Springer-Verlag

Place of publication

175 Fifth Ave, New York, USA, Ny, 10010

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Health related to ageing

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