On the Methodology of the Conconi Test

Recently Van Schuylenbergh et al. [[12]] have compared the anaerobic threshold determined with five different methods (including the Conconi test) with maximal lactate steady state in elite cyclists. With this letter we criticize the testing protocol employed by the authors in performing the Conconi test.

Our testing procedure [[4]] and its adaptation to cycling [[6]] (not quoted by the authors), consists of increments in power output obtained by increasing both cadence and the force applied during each pedal stroke. Van Schuylenbergh et al. have carried out tests following a different protocol, with increments in power output obtained only by augmenting pedalling resistance. As discussed specifically in [[6]], our testing procedure follows physiological rules that apply to activities such as running, walking, cycling and swimming, in which velocities are augmented by increasing the force applied and the frequency of the movement [[8], [11]]. This applies particularly to cycling, an activity during which optimal cadence increases linearly with power output [[2], [9]]. 160 revolutions per minute are observed in competition during maximal efforts [[6]].

In cycle ergometry the application of different testing protocols gives rise to different V·O_2max, gas exchange and neurohumoral response [[7]], different power output at given respiratory exchange ratios [[1]], and different relationship between work rate, oxygen uptake and heart rate [[10]]. Our testing protocol with increments in cadence was adopted after verifying that tests at constant cadence anticipate the activation of the anaerobic glycolysis, thereby modifying the power output-heart rate relationship and giving rise to a different heart rate break point (if any). Van Schuylenbergh et al. [[12]] were unable to see a correlation between maximal lactate steady state and their Conconi threshold. When the test is properly executed a good correlation between the data at the break point and competition results is obtained ([[3], [5]], not quoted by the authors). As an example we present unpublished observations (Fig. [1]), collected on the occasion of a 1-h cycling record attempt of Francesco Moser (May 21st, 1988, Stuttgart, indoor velodrome). The Conconi test was performed just before the start of the time trial. The velocity and the heart rate kept during the attempt oscillated around the values observed at the break point, except in the final all out phases. This shows that the heart rate-break point, which coincides with the onset of blood lactate accumulation [[5]], gives useful information on the aerobic power of the subject and may be used for training purposes.

Fig. 1 Left: The Conconi test before the 1-h attempt. The values at the break point are indicated. Right: Velocity (○) and heart rate (•) recorded during the attempt. The horizontal line corresponds to the heart rate at break point. The distance covered at the end of the 60 min was 50.644 Km.

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