The Relationship Between FTP And VO2max Ability and Strength and Flexibility in Cyclists

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between VO2max and FTP in female road cyclists with strength (right/left-hand grip, back, leg), flexibility, and anthropometric variables.   Descriptive statistics are presented as median and interquartile range. The median values of the participants were as follows: height 158.5 cm, body weight 54.9 kg, body fat percentage 19.6%, and body muscle mass 41.5 kg. The participants’ leg strength was measured at 70 kg, while their back strength was found to be 50 kg. Their right-hand grip strength was 29.1 kg, and their left-hand grip strength was 29.6 kg. The participant's flexibility was measured at 32 cm. Their VO2max was found to be 58.2 ml/kg/min, with a VO2max pulse of 189 beats/min and a VO2max workload of 262 watts. During the FTP test, the participant's mean pulse rate was 181 beats/min, mean cadence was 83 rpm, mean workload was 184 watts, normalized power was 185 watts, and relative power was 3.1 watts/kg. The study found a moderate positive correlation between VO2max and back strength and a strong negative correlation with flexibility. Additionally, a strong positive relationship was observed between VO2max workload value and body muscle mass, as well as right- and left-hand grip strength. No relationship was found between VO2max HR, AnT VO2, AnT HR, and AnT workload. Furthermore, the study found a moderate positive correlation between FTP value and body muscle mass and a very strong positive correlation with calendar age. The study also found significant correlations between mean FTP cadence and body muscle mass, as well as between mean FTP workload and body muscle mass. Additionally, a very strong positive correlation was observed between mean FTP workload and calendar age. Finally, a strong negative correlation was found between FTP relative strength and flexibility. The study concluded that as the strength of the back muscles in the group increased, so did their VO2max and FTP values, along with an increase in body muscle mass. The results suggest that back strength and body muscle mass are important variables for the participants in the study.