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While cycling is captivating to watch, it's also accessible for everyone to enjoy and improve their well-being. Serious cyclists target specific races, preparing with intense training and recovery plans. Monitoring progress helps set achievable goals and break personal records. Using muscle oxygen, a case study reveals that a 6-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program can improve aerobic fitness. By observing changes in muscle oxygen levels during exercise, we can measure better oxygen utilization and improved overall performance.
Flow Limitation of the Iliac Artery (FLIA) is a condition that affects endurance athletes and can lead to pain and underperformance. Detecting FLIA early is crucial for implementing conservative treatment methods and preventing the injury or slowing its progression. NIRS technology, specifically Train.Red sensors, can help monitor athletes without specific tests. Surgical intervention may be required in advanced cases, but it presents uncertainties and risks. Conservative practices include modifying the position of the saddle and focusing on glute strengthening. Further research is needed to define normal ranges and improve diagnosis.
Warming up is crucial for improving performance and preventing injuries in races. A good warm-up enhances oxygen flow to the muscles, prepares them for intense activity, and mentally prepares the athlete. Train.Red's FYER sensor provides real-time information on muscle behavior during warm-up. Train.Red's Muscle Oxygen Sensors enable athletes to adapt training based on physiological responses, improving performance.
Cycling is increasing in popularity worldwide, and assessment tests are essential for improving performance. The incremental ramp test is a valid and widely used test protocol that can be performed on Zwift or on the road. Muscle oxygen measurements provide insights into oxygen delivery and consumption during exercise. The SmO2% trend during the test reveals three phases and can be used to determine fitness status and training zones. Understanding the 'Break-Points' allows for better pacing and power output adaptation.
The city of Utrecht in the Netherlands is hosting the Vuelta, one of the three major cycling tours, becoming the first city to host all three tours. The second stage of the Vuelta in Utrecht features challenging sections, including hills and an intermediate sprint. The muscle oxygenation and performance of cyclists were analyzed during the stage in this blog.
This blog discusses the subjective and objective measures of exercise intensity, focusing on Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and heart rate. It highlights the limitations of RPE due to its subjective nature and introduces heart rate as a more objective measure. However, it acknowledges the challenges of using heart rate alone, particularly during intense training. To address these challenges, the article suggests the use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors to measure local muscle oxygenation and provide a more accurate assessment of intensity.