BACKGROUND: This study compared an all-out start (AO) to a constant power start strategy (CON) during a 6 min cycle performance on utilization of W´ (energy above critical power [CP]), muscle deoxygenation (HHb), oxygen uptake (VO2) and performance in recreationally active individuals. The AO strategy was similar to that employed by rowers. METHODS: Eight healthy males (age =24±3 y) completed a ramp test to fatigue (VO2peak =4.42±0.54 L/min; peak power =385±35 W) and a 3-min all-out test to determine CP and the CON work rate. The AO strategy began with a 12 s sprint, followed by 258 s at 5%<CON. The CON work rate was calculated as CP*W +(W´J/360 s) and performed for the initial 270 s of the ride. Both groups increased their effort, in 30 s intervals, over the last 90 s of each trial. The last 30 s was a sprint. RESULTS: Total W´ utilized was higher during CON vs. AO (18,109±5439 J vs. 13,754±3543 J, P<0.05). The HHb/VO2 ratio reflected a duration mismatch between O2 provision to O2 utilization during CON compared to AO (118 s vs. 58 s, P<0.05). Mean work rate was higher in CON compared to AO (315±21 W vs. 302±64 W, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CON yielded a greater utilization of W´ and a higher mean work rate compared to AO during a traditional rowing stratagem during a 6-min cycle performance in recreationally active individuals.
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