The effect of short-term calorie restriction on exercise performance and efficiency in cyclists

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Introduction: Gross efficiency is a measure of the ability to convert stored energy into power and is considered a key determinant of cycling performance. Gross efficiency has been reported to improve by 9% in sedentary participants following four months of calorie restriction combined with exercise (Amati et al, 2008). It is yet to be established if improvements in gross efficiency (GE) and net efficiency (NE) can be achieved with only short-term fat mass reduction in habitual cyclists and the effect on time-trial (TT) performance. Methods: Seventeen male cyclists; age 42 ± 9 yrs, BMI 25.6 ± 3.1 kg.m2, body fat 22.3 ± 5 % were recruited from local cycling clubs. Participants completed four pre intervention baseline visits one week apart and were instructed to maintain their body mass. Resting energy expenditure (REE) and 4-site skinfold were conducted prior to a 16.1km TT on an SRM® cycle ergometer. Gases were measured using the Oxycon® Pro metabolic cart. The intervention cons

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