Abstract
This study aimed (i) to compare the critical power (CP) and work capacity over CP
(W´) values reported by the different CP models available in current
analysis software packages (Golden Cheetah and Stryd platform), (ii) to locate
the CP values in the power-duration curve (PDC), and (iii) to determine the
influence of the CP model used on the W´ balance. Fifteen trained
athletes performed four time trials (i. e., 3, 5, 10,
20 minutes) to define their PDC through different CP models: work-time
(CPwork), power-1/time (CP1/time),
Morton hyperbolic (CPhyp), Stryd platform (CPstryd), and
Bioenergetic Golden Cheetah (CPCheetah). Three additional time trials
were performed: two to locate the CP values in the PDC (30 and
60 minutes), and one to test the validity of the W’ balance
model (4 minutes). Significant differences (p<0.001) were
reported between models for the estimated parameters (CP, W´).
CPcheetah was associated with the power output developed between
10 to 20 minutes, CP1/time, CPstryd
CPwork and CPhyp. The W´ reported by the
three-parameter CP models overestimated the actual 4 minutes time to
exhaustion, with CPwork (0.48 [− 0.19 to 1.16]
minutes); and CP1/time (0.40 [− 0.13 to 0.94]
minutes) being the only valid models (p≥0.240).
Key words
exercise testing - endurance training - endurance performance