UCD research programme, let's see the results

I was participating as a volunteer in a research project at the UCD couple of weeks ago. The programme was very interesting and I have to say it was pretty exciting to be part of it. Once I finished the project I was very curious to see the results, after all I haven't done laboratory tests for 7 years. 

All the testing is done (4 sessions) and I am after receiving the test results, here they are:

                     age: 29

                     height: 165,8 cm

                     weight: 51,8 kg

                     body fat: 7,6 %

                     VO2max (absolute): 3,18 l/min

                     VO2max (relative): 61,4 ml/min/kg  

                     Maximum heart rate @ VO2max: 199 bpm                

                     Power Output @ VO2max (absolute): 340 W

                     Power Output @ VO2max (relative): 6,56 W/kg

                     Maximum VE (minute ventilation): 139,6 l/min

                     Maximum Rf (respiratory frequency): 62 bpm

                     VT % VO2max (ventilatory treshold): 65%

                     Maximum RER (respiratory exchange ratio): 1.28

                     Total EE (energy expenditure during VO2max test): 112 kcal

                     Maximum lactic acid: 11,9 mmol/l

Graph of the VO2max test (1 session)

Graph of the active recovery session (4th session)

So, it's all there. I'm happy to have this kind of information in relation of my performance in the off-season. Some of the results are good, some others are not so good. The ones that I am particulary happy with are the 6,56 W/kg relative power output (highest out of 19 participants), the 199 bpm max heart rate and the 11,9 mmol/l lactic acid. 

I said it before but I'd like to say it again: it was such a great opportunity to participate in the researh programme. Without it I wouldn't really have the chance to get all these useful datas indeed. 

What about the final result of the research? The main question was which recovery type works the best for each individual (19 cyclists). For me the active recovery was the most effective, then the passive and the least effective was the stimulation type. But it is only for me though, it could be different for everyone. 

Progressing through the UCD research programme

During the last 2 weeks I've been envolved in something more unusual beside my regular training routine. I started a Research Programme in the UCD Human Performance Laboratory, so I've been visiting the lab couple of times to get some testing done. It is something that I've been doing many times back in Hungary and I am simply interested to do, so this is the main reason why I sent my application as a valunteer.

The programme is designed to analyze the difference between 3 recovery types: passive, active and low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and see which one of them is the most effective. After the first session where my maximum level been tested the remaining 3 sessions are following a very strict, controlled protocol. 

Doing my warm up during today's session

The test itself is very short but very brutal and intense in the same time. After a short warm up I have to work on the 105% of my maximum effort that has been tested on the first session. The test goes to absolute exhaustion, until I can't turn the pedals any longer... Needless to say, it is super difficult task! 

Off the bike straight away and start the 30 minutes recovery routine (each session is different) and during this time blood samples to be taken in every 5 minutes to check the level of the lactic acid in the blood. The samples to be taken from the tip of my fingers 'cause of the blood capillary. 

During my recovery time with the electrical stimulation pads on my legs. Feels a bit weird but kind of good! :)

Once the 30 minutes recovery time is up it's time to get back on the bike and get ready for the last big effort: 95% of my maximum is the resistance that I have to deal with as long as I can. The rule is the same, the test goes to total exhaustion. Off the bike again and two more blood samples at the end. And that's it, I'm finished!

Each session is the exact same but the recovery type is different each time. The bike is perfectly set up and the computer controlled protocol strictly follows each step of the pogramme. Everything is timed and very precise. 

At the end we'll have the answer what researcher John Malone is looking for: which short term recovery type is the most effective between max. intensity sessions?

Participating in the research project is very exciting and cool. I'm glad to be able to part of it and honestly can't wait to see the results at the end! Only one more session to go! :)

Been selected to UCD research project

I have got an email about 2 months ago that was about some very interestig research programme at the Institute of Sport and Health, UCD. I thought that could be very cool to participate in research project as a volunteer, so I sent back the application form. Good couple of weeks later I got the phonecall and the good news: I got selected to participate.

" An investigation into the effectiveness of low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for short term recovery between maximum aerobic cycling trials. "

Now, it's sounds interesting all right! Back in Hungary I've done similar tests and I think they are very useful for training and recovery also. Even they are about 100% exhaustion but somehow I really enjoy to do them and see the results afterwards. So, I was familiar with the nature of these tests and because I haven't done any of them for about 7 years I was very curious to see how much my performance has changed over the years. This was probably the main reason why I entered to this research project.

I'm very happy to be able to be part of this programme, it is something I'll really enjoy indeed. I can't wait to see the final results after the 4 sessions in 2 weeks time. Once all the testing is done and I have all my results in hand I will put on a little bit more detailed post for sure. Testing in laboratory? Cool stuff! :)