Science Of Ultra Critical Power/Speed With David Poole, PhD
Jul 12, 2017
David Poole, a Professor at Kansas State University specializing in oxygen transport and athletic performance, dives deep into the science of critical power and speed. He explains how these concepts serve as 'fatigue thresholds' in ultra-endurance training. The conversation includes the importance of tailored nutrition strategies, particularly the impact of low-carb, high-fat diets. Poole also addresses gastrointestinal challenges faced by ultramarathon runners and suggests innovative performance optimization techniques, including nitrate supplementation and specialized high-intensity training methods.
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Critical Power Definition
- Critical power is a metabolic rate corresponding to the highest sustainable oxygen use.
- It's determined by the work done above critical speed/power and the critical speed/power itself.
Fatigue Mechanisms Above Critical Power
- Above critical speed/power, muscles exhibit low pH, low creatine phosphate, and near-depleted glycogen in some fibers.
- Diprotonated phosphate accumulation impairs muscle force generation.
Critical Power, W Prime, and Fiber Types
- Endurance training increases critical power but lowers W prime (the amount of work above it).
- Critical power correlates with type 1 (slow-twitch) muscle fibers, not W prime.