Cycling Power Outputs Predict Functional Threshold Power and Maximum Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

<p>Functional threshold power (FTP) has emerged as a correlate of lactate threshold and is commonly assessed by recreational and professional cyclists for tailored exercise programing. To identify whether results from traditional aerobic and anaerobic cycling tests could predict FTP and V̇o₂max, we analyzed the association between estimated FTP, maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o₂max [ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹]) and power outputs obtained from a maximal cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a 30-second Wingate test in a heterogeneous cohort of cycle-trained and untrained individuals (<i>N</i> = 40, mean ± SD" age: 32.6 ± 10.6 years" relative V̇o₂max: 46.8 ± 9.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). The accuracy and sensitivity of the prediction equations were also assessed in young men (<i>N</i> = 11) before and after a 6-week sprint interval training intervention. Moderate-to-strong positive correlations were observed between FTP, relative V̇o₂max, and power outputs achieved during incremental and 30-second Wingate cycling tests (<i>r</i> = 0.39–0.965, all p ≤ .05). Whilst maximum power achieved during incremental cycle testing (Pmax) and relative V̇o₂max were predictors of FTP (r² = 0.93), age and FTP (W·kg⁻¹) estimated relative V̇o2max (r₂ = 0.80). Our findings confirm that FTP predominantly relies on aerobic metabolism and indicate that both prediction models are sensitive enough to detect meaningful exercise-induced changes in FTP and V̇o₂max. Thus, coaches should consider limiting the time and load demands placed on athletes by conducting a maximal cycle ergometry CPET to estimate FTP. In addition, a 20-minute FTP test is a convenient method to assess V̇o2max and is particularly relevant for exercise professionals without access to expensive CPET equipment.</p>