Stretch-Shortening Cycle Function of Lower Limbs After Cycling in Triathletes

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research 2022-09, Vol.36 (9), p.2610-2614
• Main Authors: Takahashi, Keigo, Shirai, Yusuke, Nabekura, Yoshiharu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bicycling; Biomechanics; Jumping; Limbs; Physical training; Running; Triathlon
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003832

ABSTRACTTakahashi, K, Shirai, Y, and Nabekura, Y. Stretch-shortening cycle function of lower limbs after cycling in triathletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X)000–000, 2020—Impaired cardiorespiratory response and changes in biomechanical variables occur when running after cycling relative to isolated running. Nevertheless, little is known about the causes of these changes or the training to prevent them. This study aimed (a) to determine whether stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function decreases after cycling exercise and (b) to determine whether the decreases in SSC function are related to brick training. Eleven male university triathletes performed hopping tests to measure SSC function before and after cycling (30 minutes of cycling at 110% ventilatory threshold). Stretch-shortening cycle function was calculated as the ratio of the jump height to the time spent in contact with the ground (reactive strength index [RSI]). Brick training was evaluated by the total experience of brick training. The RSI significantly decreased after the cycling exercise (−10.7%; p < 0.01), but changes in RSI after cycling did not significantly correlate with the total experience of brick training, despite a large effect size (p < 0.10; r = 0.62). These results suggest that SSC function decreases after cycling and that brick training is potentially useful for inhibiting decreases in SSC function after cycling.