Posted by Kevin (64.180.63.94) on December 01, 2003 at 15:31:02:
Hi everyone,Juerg, Herb
Below is a recent bike test which requires some feedback. Thanks in advance of your responses.
Athlete: 48yr female.
IMC last August
Test/retested for nearly one year. Never seen such a test result from her before.
Medical history: Right sided weakness. Right Gluteus Medius, lateral quadriceps, then into hamstring and eventually to lower leg.
Physician considers her presentation as either right sided lumbar disc bulge or right sided lumbar facet joint inflammation.
Symptom onset starts at 210watts and complete rider right leg failure to pedal by 250watts. Left leg does not feel fatigued by 250watts but must do more work.
Test results:
wattage during 1st part of test is repeated during the lactate portion (fixed heart rate) of test. This is the second time in 3months she has demonstrated such results.
Possible thoughts:
1) aerobic system not completely up and running after 10min warmup period so higher initial heart rates.
2) calibration concern.
3) right sided limitation stops her from a full body fatigue and therefore enables quick recovery to initial test wattages.
4) other...
Presently undergoing a targeted Swiss ball core strengthening program. Initial findings are delayed symptom onset from 190 to 210watts. With a total of 15min pedaling 5' each at -15, -10, -5 her right leg numbness is gone with only a very slight tightness feeling. Targeted hip exercises and stretches are prescribed. Normal cadence is 90-95 up to 210watts.
Cheers Kevin