Background

The LSCT is a submaximal cycling test that must currently be performed under controlled environmental conditions (18–22°C and 50–60% relative humidity) to ensure accurate performance predictions and reliable monitoring of fatigue over time. For consistency, the LSCT should be conducted indoors on a trainer at a fixed time and on the same day each week (e.g., Wednesdays).

• Because the LSCT is performed at a fixed submaximal heart rate, participants should adhere to the following guidelines:
• Avoid consuming caffeine for at least 3 hours prior to the test
• Refrain from talking during the test and throughout the heart rate recovery (HRR) period
• Sit upright and stop cycling during the HRR period
• Minimize confounding factors and distractions (e.g., interactions with other cyclists during the test)

Lamberts Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT)

The LSCT has a total duration of 17 minutes, during which participants cycle at intensities designed to elicit target heart rates corresponding to 60% (stage 1), 80% (stage 2), and 90% (stage 3) of their maximum heart rate (HR_max). Target heart rates for each stage are calculated based on the individual’s HR_max, which should preferably be determined during a Peak Power Output (PPO) test or a VO₂_max test (Lamberts et al., 2009).

Following ergometer calibration, participants should shift the front derailleur to the small chainring, after which the LSCT may commence.

Figure 1. Graphical representation of LSCT

During the LSCT, participants are permitted to adjust the gear ratio using the rear derailleur to match exercise intensity with the prescribed target heart rate.

Stage 1 

During stage 1 (0.00–6.00 min), participants should maintain their heart rate within ±2 beats·min⁻¹ of the target value (60% of HR_max - e.g., a target of 150 beats·min⁻¹ corresponds to an acceptable range of 148–152 beats·min⁻¹). At the end of stage 1, participants should shift the front derailleur to the large chainring. If required, the ergometer may be recalibrated during a 30-second transition period (6.00–6.30 min).

Stages 2 and 3
During stages 2 (6.30–12.30 min; 80% HR_max) and 3 (12.30–15.30 min; 90% HR_max), participants may again adjust the rear derailleur to achieve the target heart rate, while the front derailleur remains on the large chainring. Heart rate during these stages should be maintained within ±1 beat·min⁻¹ of the target value (e.g., a target of 174 beats·min⁻¹ corresponds to a range of 173–175 beats·min⁻¹).

If the target heart rate during stage 3 cannot be reached within 1 minute, participants should complete the stage at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) that they typically experience during this stage. For example, if a participant usually reports an RPE of 17, they should aim to maintain an RPE of 17, even if heart rate and power output are lower than expected. In this scenario, changes in heart rate recovery (HRR) should be interpreted with caution.

Immediately after stage 3 (15.30 min), participants should stop cycling and sit upright to allow heart rate recovery data to be recorded during the final 90 seconds (15.30–17.00 min). Ratings of perceived exertion (6–20 scale; see Figure 2) should be reported at 5.00 min (stage 1), 12.00 min (stage 2), and 15.00 min (stage 3).