Anaerobic work capacity in cycling: the effect of computational method

Purpose To compare the anaerobic work capacity (AnWC, i.e., attributable anaerobic mechanical work) assessed using four diferent approaches/models applied to time-trial (TT) cycle-ergometry exercise. Methods Fifteen male cyclists completed a 7×4-min submaximal protocol and a 3-min all-out TT (TTAO). Linear relationships between power output (PO) and submaximal metabolic rate were constructed to estimate TT-specifc gross efciency (GE) and AnWC, using either a measured resting metabolic rate as a Y-intercept (7+ YLIN) or no measured Y-intercept (7-YLIN). In addition, GE of the last submaximal bout (GELAST) was used to estimate AnWC, and critical power (CP) from TTAO (CP3´AO) was used to estimate mechanical work above CP (W’, i.e., “AnWC”). Results Average PO during TTAO was 5.43±0.30 and CP was 4.48±0.23 W∙kg−1. The TT-associated GE values were~22.0% for both 7+ YLIN and 7-YLIN and~21.1% for GELAST (both P