Guidelines to classify subject groups in sport-science research.

TLDR: A systematic review of cycling-related sport-science literature shows the large variety in the description of female subject groups in the existing literature, and proposes a standardized preexperimental testing protocol and guidelines to classifyfemale subject groups into 5 PLs based on relative VO2max, relative PPO, training status, absolute VO2 max, and absolute PPO.

Abstract: Aim: To review current cycling-related sport-science literature to formulate guidelines to classify female subject groups and to compare this classification system for female subject groups with the classification system for male subject groups. Methods: A database of 82 papers that described female subject groups containing information on preexperimental maximal cycle-protocol designs, terminology, biometrical and physiological parameters, and cycling experience was analyzed. Subject groups were divided into performance levels (PLs), according to the nomenclature. Body mass, body-mass index, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), peak power output (PPO), and training status were compared between PLs and between female and male PLs. Results: Five female PLs were defined, representing untrained, active, trained, well-trained, and professional female subjects. VO2max and PPO significantly increased with PL, except for PL3 and PL4 (P < .01). For each PL, significant differences were observed in absolute and re...