Can the Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test Indicate Fatigue and Recovery in Trained Cyclists?

• DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0119
• Publication Date: 2015-08-10T15:40:01Z
• Authors: Daniel Hammes; Sabrina Skorski; Sascha Schwindling; Alexander Ferrauti; Mark Pfeiffer; Michael Kellmann; Tim Meyer
• Keywords: Genetics & Heredity; Adult; Male; Time Factors; Research & Experimental; Physical Exertion; Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation; Research & Experimental Medicine; Athletic Performance; 796; Bicycling; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 2732 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Oxygen Consumption; 0302 clinical medicine; Athletes; Heart Rate; Muscle Fatigue; Exercise Test; Physical Endurance; Medicine; Humans; 3612 Physical Therapy

The Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT) is a novel test designed to monitor performance and fatigue/recovery in cyclists. Studies have shown the ability to predict performance; however, there is a lack of studies concerning monitoring of fatigue/recovery. In this study, 23 trained male cyclists (age 29 ± 8 y, VO2max 59.4 ± 7.4 mL · min−1 · kg−1) completed a training camp. The LSCT was conducted on days 1, 8, and 11. After day 1, an intensive 6-day training period was performed. Between days 8 and 11, a recovery period was realized. The LSCT consists of 3 stages with fixed heart rates of 6 min at 60% and 80% and 3 min at 90% of maximum heart rate. During the stages, power output and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Heart-rate recovery was measured after stage 3. Power output almost certainly (standardized mean difference: 1.0) and RPE very likely (1.7) increased from day 1 to day 8 at stage 2. Power output likely (0.4) and RPE almost certainly (2.6) increased at stage 3. From day 8 to day 11, power output possibly (–0.4) and RPE likely (–1.5) decreased at stage 2 and possibly (–0.1) and almost certainly (–1.9) at stage 3. Heart-rate recovery was likely (0.7) accelerated from day 1 to day 8. Changes from day 8 to day 11 were unclear (–0.1). The LSCT can be used for monitoring fatigue and recovery, since parameters were responsive to a fatiguing training and a following recovery period. However, consideration of multiple LSCT variables is required to interpret the results correctly.