Pedal force effectiveness in Cycling: a review of constraints and training effects
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Pedal force effectiveness in cycling is usually measured by the ratio of force perpendicular to the crank (effective force) and total force applied to the pedal (resultant force). Most studies measuring pedal forces have been restricted to one leg but a few studies have reported bilateral asymmetry in pedal forces. Pedal force effectiveness is increased at higher power output and reduced at higher pedaling cadences. Changes in saddle position resulted in unclear effects in pedal force effectiveness, while lowering the upper body reduced pedal force effectiveness. Cycling experience and fatigue had unclear effects on pedal force effectiveness. Augmented feedback of pedal forces can improve pedal force effectiveness within a training session and after multiple sessions for cyclists and non-cyclists. No differences in pedal force effectiveness were evident between summarized and instantaneous feedback. Conversely, economy/efficiency seems to be reduced when cyclists are instructed to improve pedal force effectiveness during acute intervention studies involving one session. Decoupled crank systems effectively improved pedal force effectiveness with conflicting effects on economy/efficiency and performance.
Authors and Affiliations
Rodrigo R Bini| Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Patria Hume| Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand., James Croft| School of Physical Education, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand, Andrew Kilding| Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Influence of Absolute versus relative L-arginine Dosage on 1 km and 16.1 km time trial performance in trained cyclists
This investigation aimed to determine the effects of L-arginine supplementation on cycling time trial (TT) performance. Eight trained male cyclists performed 1 and 16.1km time trials on three occasions, control (CON), ab...
The effect of beetroot juice dosage on high intensity intermittent cycling performance
Background: Resynthesis of creatine phosphate (PCr) and intramuscular pH, which influences glycolytic rate, are dependent on skeletal muscle blood flow (Sahlin et al., 1979: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laborator...
Validation of a new pedal sensor to measure torque, power and work during pedaling.
In the field of biomechanical analysis of pedaling motion, researchers studied the relationship between cost energy and cycling technique for optimal use of the force applied to the pedals, to improve cycling velocity f...
Influence of pacing on reliability of middledistance cycling performance
The purpose of the present study was to examine the reliability of middle distance cycling time trials using fast-, even-, and slow-starts. Eighteen endurance-trained male cyclists [mean ± standard deviation; VO2peak 63....
A contiguous ramp and all-out exercise test to determine critical power in competitive cyclists
Background: Critical power (CP) represents the highest metabolic rate at which oxygen uptake and blood lactate stabilizes during exercise and is strongly associated with endurance exercise performance. Determination of C...