Simon C wrote:
Quote:
Functional threshold power (FTP) is the maximum average power sustained over a 1-hour
period, which is estimated through 8- or 20-min self-paced cycling protocols by subtracting 10% or 5% of the average power achieved after each respective cycling test. Although there is a lack of evidence demonstrating the utility of FTP testing for tailored exercise prescription aimed at improving cycling performance, FTP seems an important performance quality, as maximum power sustained over one hour is predictive of time-trial performance in elite cyclists (9). Also, professional and recreational cyclists routinely complete FTP testing and its utilization for individualized exercise programing are endorsed in popular written work by ex-professional cyclists and coaches (1, 7). Despite the increasing use of FTP in practice, the energy systems and physiological qualities that contribute to FTP are incompletely understood.
Yes, both highlighted sections confirm it's tenous nature.
There seems to be a glut of ill-informed individuals on here. Misinformation is a bad thing...it stifles progression.
However that is easily overcome by research and reading.
Investigation into lactate testing has been over decades, starting in runners...long before power meters existed, and the main protagonists were the Germans in the 70's who understood the science better and its application. How do you think FTP works in runners/ swimmers and rowers....? answer: it doesn't.
There has been plenty of scrutiny of LT thresholds concept....and has now come into its own element, which can be progressed further for advanced knowledge, understanding and application. For that endeavour to have to challenge the likes of a symptom of the modern worlds impatience and temporary nature or attitude towards change, is an embarrasment more than anything. I implore those here to read on the vast literature available...it is simply eye opening what has been learnt and will be discovered. That won't be abreviated into a simple point estimate....that is retardation of learning.
This is another attempt at the future....http://www.pkvitality.com/ktrack-athlete/
Those who fail to understand will be left behind..
Over-and-out. peace.Well, at least gives everyone a better idea of where you're coming from...too bad so much of it is incorrect.
1. The notion of a lactate threshold actually dates back to the 1930s, when it was first identified/described as such by Owles.
2. Although the Germans attempted to leverage measurement of blood lactate concentrations in 1970s to improve training outcomes, there is really no evidence that this was successful (although German doping surely was).
3. The
concept of using performance measurements as a basis for training prescription applies to all sports, not just cycling. Jack Daniels, for example, has long designed training programs for runners based on their results in competition. Others have devised specific tests, e.g.,:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16095403. Cycling is also not the only sport in which power can be measured, e.g., rowers have long had access to ergometer data, and now numerous on-boat products exist or are underdevelopment. Finally, at least one nation has embraced the power-based training metrics I have put forth, including FTP, and applied them to rowing (although ironically, not the country that paid me as a consultant).
