Time course of learning to produce maximum cycling power

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the time course and magnitude of learning effects associated with repeated maximum cycling power tests and to determine if cycle-trained men exhibit different learning effects than active men who are not cycle-trained. Cycle-trained (N = 13) and active men (N = 35) performed short maximal cycling bouts 4 times per day for 4 consecutive days. Inertial load cycle ergometry was used to measure maximum power and pedaling rate at maximum power. Maximum power of the cycle-trained men did not differ across days or bouts. Maximum power of the active men increased 7% within the first day and 7% from the mean of day one to day three. Pedaling rate at maximum power did not differ across days or bouts in either the cycle-trained or active men. These results demonstrate that valid and reliable results for maximum cycling power can be obtained from cycle-trained men in a single day, whereas active men require at least 2 days of practice in order to produce valid and reliable values.