Body Composition Considerations in The Assessment of Cycle Ergometer High Intensity (Anaerobic) Performance Profiles

Abstract

Julien S Baker and Dan Tao

This paper examines cycle ergometer generated power profiles when cradle resistive forces are calculated from total body mass (TBM) or fat free mass (FFM) body composition indices. Utilizing FFM as a resistive force during high intensity (anaerobic performance) cycle ergometry seems to maximize the power production of individual subjects and approximates more accurately muscle force velocity characteristics. Use of the protocol would provide benefits for the associated biochemical, clinical and performance evaluation of high intensity exercise responses in different populations. Data obtained using the FFM protocol would enable meaningful performance comparisons between and within populations that would be realistic, more specific and non-inclusive of the resistive force calculation errors associated with the fat component of body composition.

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