does the type of exercise have an effect on the level of cns stimulation? specifically I am wondering if sprints on a stationary bike would have the same effect on the cns as running would. I want to know this because I am wondering if work on the bike on a tempo day could be at a higher level of intensity than if you were to run. any thoughts on this would be appreciated
Yes. More muscle groups activated =more motor units recruited=greater CNS stimulation. This is why compound lifts are generally a more optimal means of strength training for athletes. Load and speed of movement will affect which type of fibers are predominantly active.
No. For example: A sprint (running) lasting 10s performed at 85% max will introduce a greater stress to the CNS than a sprint (cycle) lasting 10s performed at 85% max. This is because running presents a greater biomechanical stress to the body than cycling. This, to a large degree, is due to impact forces.
In my mind, the bike would allow you to perform at higher percentages of VO2 max, max heart rate, etc, due to it being a less stressful stimulus, HOWEVER, the tempo days allow for additional work on perfecting technique as well as specific conditioning. So I would not have a runner utilize the bike/cycle for any other reason than rehab or possibly as a means of off season/GPP general conditioning.
As athletes progress towards elite status, the majority of training must be spent on developing SPP, as the development of general strengths have less of a carryover to expressing sport skill.
I would, however, seek Charlie’s knowledge as to the use of cycling for a sprinter.
James
thank you for your response, I asked the question with the idea that if the “tempo” day could be done on the bike, the work accomplished during that day could be more along the lines of lactic acid work and/or aerobic power. I thought that for an athlete that does’nt use running during the actual sport(i.e. hockey) speed and strength work could be used on the “speed” days and energy system work on the bike would possibly be more productive than the “tempo” running.
Yes, for a non-runner, the bike is a great general conditioning tool. As always to must account for heavy CNS days. Therefore, for a non-runner, such as a hockey player who’s practices may be very intense, the bike may be a great tool for conditioning/active recovery on off days. Just keep in mind that the bike is only specific conditioning for a cyclist, for any other type of athlete it is a general conditiong tool.
The bike is pretty good for hockey players, many NHL trainers utilize this form of conditioning with good results, especially during in-season.
Bicycling is not an optimal means of conditioning as it will inhibit flexibility.
Maybe so, however, there are many methods for re-lengthening post workout. I wouldn’t rule the bike out as a general conditioning tool simply because triple extension isn’t achieved.
Not optimal but pretty good for hockey – considering the players getting hit and bruised during the game. Running might be better but biking might actually feel better when you’re already sore all over. For track athletes I would however vote against excessive biking.
Definitely agree.
I agree, but running does a better job of “flushing out” waste products. I think that bike work must be at a very low intensity level to avoid swelling of the muscles, which might delay rather than promote recovery.
I find pool jumps effective for flushing purpoes…the impact is less but the force is higher then biking.
What exactly are pool jumps? Are they hops in the water? What depth?
Definitely agree with this as well. The use of the bike at high intensities definitely induces a significant ‘pump’ in the quadriceps, which may be a sub-optimal effect for recovery purposes.
Clemson, great point regarding the pool jumps. The pool offers some great recovery/rehab opportunities.
James