ON THE INCLUSION OF PULMONARY VENTILATION EFFICIENCY INDICATORS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING MONITORING: A CASE STUDY IN ROAD CYCLING

Abstract

Aim. This study aims to justify the inclusion of the specified parameter, recorded during standard laboratory aerobic exercise, in the monitoring of athletic training in athletes from cyclic sports. Materials and methods. During cycle ergometer testing, road cyclists of both sexes, varying in age (from 10 to 22 years and older) and competitive level (from the 3^rd junior category to International Master of Sport) performed graded aerobic exercise that included a functional threshold power (FTP) bout, a reliable indicator of aerobic capacity. Gas exchange data, along with other parameters, were recorded. Measurements were also obtained longitudinally. Results. No statistically significant correlation was found between pulmonary ventilation efficiency at FTP and individual FTP levels. The parameter demonstrated insufficient reproducibility (instability), and its dispersion did not correlate with changes in aerobic capacity. Conclusion. The only practical application of the oxygen utilization coefficient for monitoring athletic training in athletes from cyclic sports lies in the potential to forecast its values during exercise at or above FTP based on values recorded during laboratory testing at a relatively low power output (60% of FTP). The study found no justification for including the parameter measured at FTP in athletic training monitoring, as it demonstrated low reliability and provided no meaningful information on aerobic performance.