Power Assessment in Road Cycling: A Narrative Review
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Date
2020
Authors
Sitko, Sebastian
Cirer-Sastre, Rafel
Corbi Soler, Francesc
López Laval, Isaac
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Abstract
Nowadays, the evaluation of physiological characteristics and training load quantification
in road cycling is frequently performed through power meter data analyses, but the scientific evidence
behind this tool is scarce and often contradictory. The aim of this paper is to review the literature
related to power profiling, functional threshold testing, and performance assessment based on
power meter data. A literature search was conducted following preferred reporting items for review
statement (PRISMA) on the topic of {“cyclist” OR “cycling” AND “functional threshold” OR “power
meter”}. The reviewed evidence provided important insights regarding power meter-based training:
(a) functional threshold testing is closely related to laboratory markers of steady state; (b) the 20-min
protocol represents the most researched option for functional threshold testing, although shorter
durations may be used if verified on an individual basis; (c) power profiling obtained through the
recovery of recorded power outputs allows the categorization and assessment of the cyclist’s fitness
level; and (d) power meters represent an alternative to laboratory tests for the assessment of the
relationship between power output and cadence. This review elucidates the increasing amount of
studies related to power profiling, functional threshold testing, and performance assessment based
on power meter data, highlighting the opportunity for the expanding knowledge that power meters
have brought in the road cycling field.
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Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, núm. 12, 5216