ABACUS Repository
Institutional repository of the Universidad Europea where the scientific production of its research community is collected. The purpose of the repository is to provide access and visibility to this work by gathering, preserving and disseminating this production.
Recent Submissions
Role-Specific Performance Profiles of Professional Cyclists in a Grand Tour
(2016) Sánchez Jiménez, José Luis; Javaloyes, Alejandro; Barranco Gil, David; Peña González, Iván; Moya Ramón, Manuel; Mateo March, Manuel
Professional cycling in Grand Tours involves varied stage types and rider roles, but intra-stage workload dynamics remain underexplored. Observational study of 36 male professional cyclists in the 2020 Vuelta a España, categorized as climbers (n = 13), all-rounders (n = 13), and flat specialists (n = 10). Power meter data from 17 stages (3 flat, 9 semi-mountainous, 5 mountain) were analyzed using principal component analysis and mixed models to assess changes across stage progression (0%-100%). Climbers showed high initial high-intensity power in mountain stages, decreasing by 40.70 W per 10%, with average power increasing by 8.45 W per 10%. All-rounders' average power increased by 0.25 W per 10% in mountain, 0.03 W in semi-mountainous, and 10.40 W in flat stages. Flat specialists' average power increased by 0.26 W in mountain, decreased by 0.04 W in semi-mountainous, and increased by 9.29 W in flat stages. Mountain stages had high initial intensity with efficiency rising by 0.02 per 10%; semi-mountainous stages showed mixed patterns; flat stages had power increases of 9.29-10.40 W per 10%. Workload varies by role and stage, offering insights for targeted training and tactics in Grand Tours.
Biomechanical and Biological Behavior of Zirconium-Reinforced
Polyether-Ether-Ketone (Biohpp®) Prosthetic Applications:
A Systematic Review
(2026) Blanch Martinez, Natalia; Gramatges Rojas, Anabel; Ferrer Serena, Carmen; Arias Herrera, Santiago Emilio
Background/Objectives: The development of high-performance biocompatible polymers such as zirconium-reinforced polyether ether ketone (BioHPP®) has expanded the range of materials available for implant-supported prostheses, traditionally limited to metal alloys and zirconia. Due to its favorable mechanical properties and elastic modulus similar to cortical bone, BioHPP® has been proposed as a potential alternative in implant prosthodontics. This systematic review aimed to analyze the biomechanical behavior of zirconium-reinforced PEEK and assess its advantages and limitations in implant prosthetic applications. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, including studies published between 2011 and 2025 that evaluated the performance of BioHPP in implant prosthetic applications. Results: The search strategy identified 34 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The included studies evaluated mechanical properties such as fracture resistance, elastic modulus, stress distribution, and peri-implant tissue response. Zirconium-reinforced PEEK demonstrated fracture resistance values reaching up to 1623.31 N and an elastic modulus of approximately 4 GPa, comparable to cortical bone. Several studies also reported favorable stress distribution patterns and
reduced mechanical complications when compared with conventional metallic materials.
Conclusions: Zirconium-reinforced PEEK exhibits promising biomechanical characteristics for use in implant-supported prostheses, particularly due to its fracture resistance and bone-like elastic modulus. However, the available evidence is predominantly based on in vitro and finite element studies. Long-term clinical trials are required to confirm its clinical performance and establish definitive recommendations for routine use.
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