How muscle fatigue alters Zone 2 power output

[floridabiker]

Is it true that muscle fatigue in Zone 2 has a linear impact on power output, or are there specific thresholds where the rate of decline becomes more pronounced? For example, if a riders Zone 2 power output is 200 watts, does muscle fatigue during a prolonged ride decrease power output at a consistent rate, or are there specific points (e.g., 20% fatigue, 40% fatigue) where the rate of decline accelerates?

Additionally, how do different types of muscle fatigue (e.g., metabolic fatigue, neuromuscular fatigue) impact Zone 2 power output, and are there specific training strategies that can help mitigate these effects? For instance, can high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve a riders ability to maintain Zone 2 power output despite muscle fatigue, or are there other training methods that are more effective?

Its also worth considering how muscle fatigue affects the relationship between heart rate and power output in Zone 2. Does muscle fatigue cause a shift in the heart rate-power output curve, such that a riders heart rate increases more rapidly than their power output decreases? If so, what are the implications for pacing and fueling during long rides?

Lastly, are there any differences in how muscle fatigue impacts Zone 2 power output in different types of riders (e.g., sprinters, climbers, endurance riders)? For example, do riders with a high proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers experience a different rate of decline in power output due to muscle fatigue compared to riders with a high proportion of fast-twitch fibers?

 

[OpusX]

While it's tempting to think of muscle fatigue as a one-size-fits-all foe, it's more of a shape-shifter, striking at unexpected moments. The relationship between Zone 2 power output and muscle fatigue might not be linear, but rather a rollercoaster of ups and downs, with each type of fatigue (metabolic, neuromuscular) taking its turn to strike. The real question is, can HIIT be our fatigue-fighting superhero, or will it cower in the face of exhaustion? And let's not forget the wild card: heart rate. Does muscle fatigue give it a sudden boost, like a turbocharger for your pedaling pistons? Food for thought, and for your next ride. ‍

 

[FogVilleLad]

Muscle fatigue in Zone 2 doesn't necessarily have a linear impact on power output. The decline can be influenced by various factors, such as the type of muscle fatigue and individual rider characteristics. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help mitigate muscle fatigue's effects, but other methods like tempo rides or lactate threshold workouts might be more effective for endurance riders. Muscle fatigue may cause a shift in the heart rate-power output curve, making pacing and fueling during long rides crucial. Slower-twitch fibers' riders might experience less power decline due to muscle fatigue compared to fast-twitch fibers' riders, but more research is needed to confirm this.