Relationship between physiological and biomechanical variables with aerobic power output in cycling
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Performance in cycling may be determined by physiological and biomechanical parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between biomechanical and physiological variables with aerobic power output in cycling. Twelve cyclists and twelve non-athletes performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion during their first evaluation session and a constant load cycling test in a second evaluation session. Aerobic power output and oxygen uptake were measured during the first evaluation session, while muscle volume (determined using ultrasound measures in static conditions) and pedal forces were measured at the second session. Pedal forces were used to compute total force applied to the pedal and force effectiveness. Two multivariate stepwise regression analyses were conducted to measure the relationship between power output and oxygen uptake obtained at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), muscle volume, total force applied to the pedal, force effectiveness and lower limb muscle activation for cyclists and non-athletes. Only oxygen uptake at the VT2 was significantly related to power output for non-athletes ( ) (r = 0.64, p = 0.03), whereas the resultant force was included in the regression model for cyclists (r = 0.66, p = 0.02). Muscle volume, pedal force effectiveness and muscle activation seem to have a minor effect in aerobic power output during cycling.
Authors and Affiliations
Fábio J Lanferdini| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Rodrigo R Bini| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Giovani dos Santos-Cunha| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, André L Lopes| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Flávio A de Souza Castro| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Álvaro Reischak-Oliveira| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Marco A Vaz| Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2825
- DOI -
- Views 452
- Downloads 23
Incorporating internal mechanical power into performance models in cycling
Background: A number of models have been developed to establish the energy cost of cycling. These models have become better refined to account for the various energy demands, including air and rolling resistances. Among...
A new test battery to assess bike handling skills of experienced and inexperienced cyclists
Background: Bike handling skills aimed to maintain balance are important to prevent falling off the bike and/or crashing into obstacles. Past research on dynamics and control of bicycles is inconclusive on how human bala...
Optimal Cycling Strategies for two Cooperating Riders
Winning a stage of the Tour de France depends on several factors. Besides preparation and the physiological and mental condition, the racing strategy plays a major role. There have been several works that determine opti...
The head movements degrade the aerodynamic drag according to the time-trial duration
Effective frontal area (ACd, m2) is the main parameter opposing motion on level ground in cycling (Debraux et al. 2011). To reduce ACd, cyclists adopt a characteristic time trial (TT) position accounting for about 70 %...
Reliability of power meter calibration by mathematical modelling of treadmill cycling
New power meters that are installed on various parts of the bike entered the market recently. Calibration of power meters is essential to ensure correct power output readings for testing and training. The use of a dynami...