For a very long time without fatigue: the physiology of critical power

In this video, we ask whether "for a very long time without fatigue" is a realistic description of exercise at the critical power. We take a tour of the basic maths of the concept, as well as a deep dive into recent, and not so recent, muscle physiology. Some of the papers referred to can be found in the following links:
Jones et al. (2008): journals.physiology.org/doi/f...
Burnley et al. (2012): journals.physiology.org/doi/f...
Vanhatalo et al. (2016): physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.co...
Black et al. (2017): journals.physiology.org/doi/f...
Mitchell et al. (2018): journals.physiology.org/doi/f...

[@nitro1sport]

Indeed, fascinating. Thank you mark.

[@Upsidestrength]

Fantastic presentation once again Mark! Thank you

[@hallo108]

Great video!

[@Gabriel.Vargas]

Great presentation, thanks for that. I wonder why both Vanhatalo et al and Mitchell et al didn't use power corrected for weight (relative power). Could even be power over lean mass or something.

[@AIPACVeneto]

thanks for the very clear explanation! can I ask to you where I can find formulas to calculate CP from different efforts? like from sprint, 3' and 6' all out? please? thanks!

[@jonorange6995]

These power curves have been known for decades. The contribution of phosphates is interesting, but as confirmation of previous Bioenergetic models. Do you have studies showing pedalling skills adaptions for cyclists?

[@all-outphysiology2177]

These curves have been known for decades, but have been misinterpreted for decades too. I'd argue that knowing the specific bioenergetic characteristics of exercise below and above CP is important, although not new now (our work is now a decade old). As for cycling skill, there is relatively little since cycling is a mechanically constrained movement. Bike set up creates more variance there than changes in skill.

[@jonorange6995]

@@all-outphysiology2177 The original wording of Monod and Scherrer's concusion is inadequate I agree. However you can't overlook biomechanical skill as a very important factor in Critical Power, it is hugely important. How fast can a Pro runner bike up a long steep climb? How fast can a Pro cyclist run a 5k? They will both perform at a very average level in an unfamiliar skill.

[@GeorgeRon]

Roughly, a cyclists' w/kg translates into a similar relative power in running with a 'little bit' of training. Not a whole lot of training is required, you're afterall walking and running since you're a toddler. In my experience, very good runners, when put on a bike, ride just as well and just as fast. But going from running or biking to swimming is a totally different ball game. As to your question how fast cycling to running or vice versa, that will depend on the individual but you can compute a theoretical ceiling easily knowing the performance level in one sport.

[@jonorange6995]

@@GeorgeRon Sustaining a high power output in a race requires years of training. The neural skills to do this are not immediately transferable from running to cycling or vice versa. This should be obvious from the huge amount of training that is required to reach a career peak and sustain it.

[@GeorgeRon]

@@jonorange6995 Ofcourse all sports need neural input. I’m telling you that running and cycling are not “that” dissimilar as you make it to be. I can supply you case studies of cyclists who are able to time trial at 250W..and with a few months of training, able to run within 20 minutes of Boston Qualification time for the marathon. There is innate ability there. When you calculate their power to weight for both, they end up being similar, in this case around 3.6 W/kg for both sports. :)

[@taladiv3415]

3:37, I enjoyed the joke.

[@jonorange6995]

Mark, aren't you just stating the obvious?

[@all-outphysiology2177]

In what way?