Can The Lamberts Submaximal Cycle Test Reflect Overreaching In Professional Female Cyclists?

Purpose: The Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT) consists of 3 stages during which cyclists cycle for 6 minutes at 60%, 6 minutes at 80% and 3 minutes at 90% of their maximal heart rate, followed by one minute recovery. It was the aim of this study to determine if the LSCT is able to reflect a state of functional overreaching in professional female cyclists during an 8 day training camp and the following recovery days. Methods: Six professional female cyclists performed an LSCT on day 1, day 5 and day 8 of the training camp and 3 days after the training camp. During each stage of the LSCT, power output and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Training diaries and profile of mood status (POMS) were also completed and results were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA to verify differences between day 1, day 5, day 8 and day +3. To investigate differences in performance parameters (P60, P80, P90, RPE, HRR), a contemporary approach of data analysis using magnitudebased interferences was employed, where chances for meaningful changes (larger than normal day-to-day variability) were assessed as “likely” (> 75-95%), “very likely” (> 95-99%) and. “most likely” (> 99%). Results: Power output and RPE during the 2nd stage of the LSCT were “likely” higher on day 5 and “very likely” (power) and “most likely” (RPE) higher on day 8, compared to day 1. During the 3rd stage of the LSCT, power output and RPE were “likely” higher on day 5 and “very likely” (power) and “likely” (RPE) higher on day 8, compared to day 1. On day 8, increased power output and RPE during these stages were accompanied by the inability to reach 90% of their maximal heart rate. All athletes reported increased feelings of fatigue (F(2,10)=17.43; p=.001) and muscle soreness (F(2,10)=6.5; p=.02). No significant changes were found in any of the parameters of the POMS (anger, vigor, fatigue, depression), nor in the energy-balance (vigor-fatigue) during and after the training camp. After 3 days of recovery, all parameters of the LSCT returned to baseline, indicating a state of functional overreaching during the training camp. Conclusion: The LSCT can be used to reflect a state of functional overreaching in elite professional female cyclists during an 8 day training camp and the following recovery days.