Reliability of Cyclotronics Smart Trainer Power Output in Trained Cyclists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28985/1526.jsc.02Keywords:
cycling, graded exercise test, power profile test, reproducibilityAbstract
The aim of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability of the Cyclotronics Smart Trainer during a graded exercise test (GXT) and a power profile test (PPT) in trained cyclists. For the GXT reliability analysis, 22 cyclists performed three GXTs, each separated by seven days. For the PPT reliability assessment, a smaller group of 10 trained participants (2 females, including 1 triathlete and 7 cyclists) completed one GXT followed by three PPTs, also separated by seven days. The first test in each protocol was used for familiarization and excluded from the reliability analysis. During the GXT, the coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 5.5% at the lowest workload (100 W) to 1.6% at the highest workload (300 W), demonstrating reduced variability at higher intensities. A very low CV was also observed for peak power output (PPO), indicating high consistency in maximal performance measures. Regarding the PPT, acceptable test–retest reliability was observed, particularly for efforts lasting 120 seconds or more. As expected, shorter efforts showed slightly greater variability, which is common in high-intensity performance tests with a smaller sample size. In conclusion, the Cyclotronics Smart Trainer demonstrated reliable measurements during both GXT and PPT protocols. These findings support its use in repeated testing scenarios where measurement consistency is essential.
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