The Conconi test for cyclists
The Conconi test for cyclists is performed on a bicycle ergometer. The starting intensity depends on the individual performance and can be 50 watts, 75 watts or 100 watts. The first intensity level lasts two minutes.
For all other levels, care is taken to ensure that the same work is done for each level. However, this also means that the exercise times are shorter. Often each level is incorrectly exposed for more than two minutes, but this is more likely to be the case with the lactate level test.
In addition to the endurance component, strength endurance is also an important factor in the Conconi test on the bicycle ergometer. The bicycle Conconi test is always carried out “indoor” to keep the environmental conditions as similar as possible. The evaluation of a Conconi test can be done with a computer based program (Polar, HRCT or InShape).
Thereby a graphic is created which shows heart rate and power in Km/h or Watt. The so called deflection speed is determined, at which the initially straight running heart rate breaks off. According to Conconi, this kink is equivalent to the anaerobic threshold.
The curve shown in the graph is often s-shaped for those with good endurance training and consists of a flat area at the beginning of the test. This is followed by a steeper anaerobic zone followed by the deflection point where the heart rate flattens again. In addition to the computer-based evaluation, the Conconi test can also be evaluated manually.
For this purpose the data pairs of heart rate and speed are entered into a diagram. To make exact entries, graph paper is best suited. Difficulties can arise when determining the inflexion point, as the experience of the examiner is important here.
In addition, the test requires a maximum load on the test person, otherwise the values are not meaningful. The following points must be fulfilled:
- 8 points in the linear range with a correlation coefficient of r3 0. 98
- At least 3 points above the anaerobic threshold
- Increase of the heart rate by at least 8 beats per level
Analysis
Like many other endurance tests, the Conconi test also reached its limits. Here only the correlation between power and heart rate is measured. Lactate values are left out.
The results are individual and can not be claimed generally. The reading of the deflection point is usually very imprecise. For thorough endurance performance diagnostics, various tests should be performed at regular intervals. It is important that the trainers are not dogmatic. Performance diagnostics only provide a framework for training and nothing more.
Criticism of the Conconi – Test
Criticism of the Conconi test is especially voiced when the Conconi test is to be carried out as a field test and not under laboratory conditions. The problem is that the athlete needs a very good feeling for speed to complete the different stages. Only competitive athletes with enough experience are suitable for this.
But even here, not everyone is able to maintain the right pace in each stage over time, so that in the end the athlete often has to sprint or reaches the finish line too early. This results in heart rate jumps, which make the evaluation more difficult. This in turn falsifies the Conconi test.
The Conconi test is therefore not suitable for beginners in the field. Another point of discussion is whether the Conconi threshold really corresponds to the anaerobic threshold. Therefore, for many people the Conconi test is not a real alternative to the lactate level test when it comes to determining the anaerobic threshold.
The Conconi test does not necessarily break with the anaerobic threshold and it is not always possible to identify the break. A lot of experience is necessary to interpret the results. Therefore, the Conconi test is inferior to a lactate step test or a VO2max measurement in terms of significance.
