Purpose W′ balance (W′BAL) modelling is becoming an important tool to monitor intermittent cycling performance. This study assessed the ability of different time constant (τW′) equations for W′ reconstitution (W′rec) to predict exhaustion during intermittent exercise and the relationship between parameters of W′rec with established determinants of endurance performance. Methods Thirteen cyclists performed cycling performance tests to determine: lactate threshold (LT), critical power (CP), W′, V̇O2max, maximal aerobic power (MAP) and maximal sprint power (Pmax). Participants subsequently performed three intermittent Wʹ depletion trials to volitional exhaustion involving different work and recovery periods: 20:10; 3 × 20 s intervals separated by 10 s recoveries before a final continuous effort, 60:30; 3 × 60 s intervals separated by 30 s recoveries before a final continuous effort, 20:10TE; repeated 20 s intervals each separated by 10 s recoveries. W′BAL was determined via five different τW′ equations and an individualised equation (τW′INDV) calculated from the 20:10TE under the assumption that the point of task failure represents 0 kJ. Results Current τW′ equations failed to predict exhaustion during intermittent exercise protocols to exhaustion. Total work done above CP for the 20:10TE (Wʹtotal20:10TE) was positively correlated with absolute and relative LT, CP, V̇O2max, MAP, and Pmax (r = 0.64–0.80; P < 0.05). The τW′INDV was negatively correlated with relative CP (r = − 0.69), and LT1 (r = − 0.58), and Wʹtotal20:10TE (r = − 0.63). Conclusion Individualised τW′ should be utilised for the accurate prediction of WʹBAL. W′rec is influenced primarily by aerobic performance parameters, including LT1 and CP.

W′ reconstitution modelling during intermittent exercise performed to task failure

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2025年8月11日

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Alexander J. Welburn,
Charles F. Pugh,
Stephen J. Bailey,
Richard A. Ferguson

摘要

Purpose

W′ balance (W′_BAL) modelling is becoming an important tool to monitor intermittent cycling performance. This study assessed the ability of different time constant (τ_W′) equations for W′ reconstitution (W′_rec) to predict exhaustion during intermittent exercise and the relationship between parameters of W′_rec with established determinants of endurance performance.

Methods

Thirteen cyclists performed cycling performance tests to determine: lactate threshold (LT), critical power (CP), W′, V̇O_2max, maximal aerobic power (MAP) and maximal sprint power (P_max). Participants subsequently performed three intermittent Wʹ depletion trials to volitional exhaustion involving different work and recovery periods: 20:10; 3 × 20 s intervals separated by 10 s recoveries before a final continuous effort, 60:30; 3 × 60 s intervals separated by 30 s recoveries before a final continuous effort, 20:10_TE; repeated 20 s intervals each separated by 10 s recoveries. W′_BAL was determined via five different τ_W′ equations and an individualised equation (τ_W′INDV) calculated from the 20:10_TE under the assumption that the point of task failure represents 0 kJ.

Results

Current τ_W′ equations failed to predict exhaustion during intermittent exercise protocols to exhaustion. Total work done above CP for the 20:10_TE (Wʹ_total20:10_TE) was positively correlated with absolute and relative LT, CP, V̇O_2max, MAP, and P_max (r = 0.64–0.80; P < 0.05). The τ_W′INDV was negatively correlated with relative CP (r = − 0.69), and LT₁ (r = − 0.58), and Wʹ_total20:10_TE (r = − 0.63).

Conclusion

Individualised τ_W′ should be utilised for the accurate prediction of Wʹ_BAL. W′_rec is influenced primarily by aerobic performance parameters, including LT₁ and CP.