This study evaluated the influence of cycle computers on the accuracy of power and cadence data. The research was divided into three phases: (1) a graded exercise test (GXT) at different constant loads to record power and cadence data; (2) a self-paced effort lasting 1 min to measure mean maximal power output (MMP); and (3) a short all-out effort. Eight cyclists completed the GXT, ten participated in the 1-min test, and thirty participated in the sprint effort. All participants pedaled on a controlled-resistance cycle ergometer, and the data were recorded using the ergometer itself and ten synchronized cycle computers of the same brand, configured to record at 1 Hz. The results showed minimal variations in power and cadence between devices during the GXT, suggesting adequate accuracy for constant efforts lasting a certain duration. However, in self-paced and high-intensity efforts (1-min and short all-out efforts), significant differences were observed between several devices, particularly in cadence and mean power, highlighting the relevance of device selection in these contexts. These findings suggest that, while variations in constant efforts may be negligible, in short-duration, high-intensity activities, the choice of device may be crucial for the accuracy and reliability of the data.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four weeks of combined Acetyl-l-Carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on anaerobic and aerobic performance and fatigue resistance in trained cyclists, hypothesizing improvements in maximal aerobic power (MAP), Wingate test performance, and reduced lactate accumulation. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized trial, 41 male trained cyclists (age: 36 ± 12 years; MAP: 4.35 ± 0.60 W·kg⁻¹) were assigned to a supplement group (SUP, n = 19; 1200 mg/day Acetyl-l-Carnitine, 300 mg/day ALA, 1.1 mg Vitamin B1, 2.5 µg Vitamin B12) or placebo group (PLA, n = 22) for four weeks. Performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention via counter-movement jumps (CMJs), Wingate tests (WG₁, WG₂), and a graded exercise test (GXT). Blood lactate ([La⁻]) was measured post-Wingate. A three-way mixed ANOVA analyzed Wingate performance (session, order, and group), and a two-way ANOVA assessed MAP and fatigue effects. Results: MAP increased by 3.4% (314 ± 32 W to 324 ± 37 W; p = 0.005) with no group interaction (p = 0.457). Wingate peak power showed main effects for order (p < 0.001) and session (p = 0.011) but no group interaction (p = 0.676). SUP reduced [La⁻] by 1.5 mmol·L⁻¹ post-WG₂ in POST (p = 0.049). No significant group differences were found for CMJ or fatigue metrics. Conclusions: Four weeks of Acetyl-l-Carnitine and ALA supplementation did not enhance aerobic or anaerobic performance in trained cyclists, despite reducing blood lactate after high-intensity exercise, suggesting no ergogenic benefits.

Force–time (F-t) variables derived from the countermovement jump (CMJ) offer insights into neuromuscular performance and may differ across sexes and sports. This study aimed to assess variables from the F–t curve and analyse force profiles by sex and sport. A total of 550 CMJs from 188 elite athletes representing nine sports were analyzed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduced dimensionality and identified latent components describing force production. PCA extracted three components explaining 91.6% of variance: PC1 (propulsive, 38.0%), PC2 (braking, 29.3%), and PC3 (temporal–impulse, 24.3%). Component scores differed significantly across sports in both sexes (all p < 0.001). In males, gymnastics and fencing showed the highest PC1 scores, while triathlon consistently presented the lowest. Badminton displayed superior PC2 and PC3 characteristics. In females, artistic gymnastics exhibited the highest PC1 capacity, whereas taekwondo and triathlon showed the lowest. Badminton and gymnastics outperformed several sports in PC2 and PC3. PCA mapping showed male fencing and judo clustered in high propulsive–high braking profiles, while triathlon athletes showed low braking strategy efficiency. Most female athletes displayed reduced propulsive and braking capacity, except gymnasts and judokas. F–t profiles differentiate neuromuscular strategies across sexes and sports, supporting their application to guide discipline- and sex-specific training interventions.