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Cardiovascular Efficiency - Uphill
Tanaka, H., Bassett, D.R., Jr, Best, S.K., and Baker, K.R., Jr. (1996, April). Seated versus standing cycling in competitive road cyclists: uphill climbing and maximal oxygen uptake. Canadian Journal Of Applied Physiology = Revue Canadienne De Physiologie Appliquée, 21(2), 149-154. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
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ABSTRACT
Seven competitive road cyclists (M +/- SE = 23.7 +/- 1.5 yr, 70.5 +/- 1.7 kg) participated to determine the effects of cycling body position on physiological responses during uphill cycling and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). There was no significant difference in VO2max between seated and standing positions on a cycle ergometer (66.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 66.4 +/- 1.7 ml . kg-1 . min-1). When the subjects rode their own bicycle on a treadmill, oxygen uptake and heart rate were significantly (p < 0.05) higher during standing when subjects bicycled at 20.0 km . h-1 (4% grade), but no difference was observed when riding at 12.3 km . h-1 (10% grade). Leg RPE was significantly (p < 0.05) lower for standing position up a 10% grade. The results suggest that the standing position is less economical during moderate hill climbing, but during steep hill climbing, it results in a decreased sensation of effort in the legs.
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Cardiovascular Efficiency - Uphill
Ryschon TW, and Stray-Gundersen J. (1991, August). The effect of body position on the energy cost of cycling. Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise, 23(8), 949-953. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
ABSTRACT
Energy expenditure during bicycling on flat terrain depends predominantly on air resistance, which is a function of total frontal area (bicycle and rider), coefficient of drag, and air speed. Body position on the bicycle may affect energy expenditure by altering either frontal area or coefficient of drag. In this study, oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured for each of four body positions in 10 cyclists (8 males, 2 females, 24 +/- 2 yr, 67.7 +/- 3.3 kg, VO2max = 65.8 +/- 1.5 ml.kg-1.min-1) while each bicycled up a 4% incline on a motor-driven treadmill (19.3 km.h-1), thereby eliminating air resistance. Positions studied included: 1) seated, hands on brake hoods, cadence 80 rev.min-1; 2) seated, hands on dropped bar (drops), 80 rev.min-1; 3) standing, hands on brake hoods, 60 rev.min-1; and 4) seated, hands on brake hoods, 60 rev.min-1. Subjects rode their own bicycles, which were equipped with a common set of racing wheels. Energy expenditure, expressed as VO2 per unit combined weight, was not significantly different between drops and hoods positioning (30.2 +/- 0.6 vs 29.9 +/- 0.9 ml.kg-1.min-1) but was significantly greater for standing compared with seated cycling (31.7 +/- 0.4 vs 28.3 +/- 0.7 ml.kg-1.min.-1, P less than 0.01). These results indicate that body posture can affect energy expenditure during uphill bicycling through factors unrelated to air resistance.
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Cardiovascular Efficiency - Uphill
Millet GP, Tronche C, Fuster N, and Candau R. (2002, October). Level ground and uphill cycling efficiency in seated and standing positions. Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise, 34(10), 1645-1652. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
NOT obtained
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the effects of cycling position (seated or standing) during level-ground and uphill cycling on gross external efficiency (GE) and economy (EC). METHODS: Eight well-trained cyclists performed in a randomized order five trials of 6-min duration at 75% of peak power output either on a velodrome or during the ascent of a hill in seated or standing position. GE and EC were calculated by using the mechanical power output that was measured by crankset (SRM) and energy consumption by a portable gas analyzer (Cosmed K4b(2)). In addition, each subject performed three 30-s maximal sprints on a laboratory-based cycle ergometer or in the field either in seated or standing position. RESULTS: GE and EC were, respectively, 22.4 +/- 1.5% (CV = 5.6%) and 4.69 +/- 0.33 kJ x L(-1) (CV = 5.7%) and were not different between level seated, uphill seated, or uphill standing conditions. Heart rate was significantly ( < 0.05) higher in standing position. In the uphill cycling trials, minute ventilation was higher ( < 0.05) in standing than in seated position. The average 30-s power output was higher ( < 0.01) in standing (803 +/- 103 W) than in seated position (635 +/- 123 W) or on the stationary ergometer (603 +/- 81 W). CONCLUSION: Gradient or body position appears to have a negligible effect on external efficiency in field-based high-intensity cycling exercise. Greater short-term power can be produced in standing position, presumably due to a greater force developed per revolution. However, the technical features of the standing position may be one of the most determining factors affecting the metabolic responses.
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Cardiovascular Efficiency - Uphill / cadence
Swain DP, and Wilcox JP. (1992, October). Effect of cadence on the economy of uphill cycling. Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise, 24(10), 1123-1127. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
NOT obtained
Competitive cyclists generally climb hills at a low cadence despite the recognized advantage in level cycling of high cadences. To test whether a high cadence is more economical than a low cadence during uphill cycling, nine experienced cyclists performed steady-state bicycling exercise on a treadmill under three randomized trials. Subjects bicycled at 11.3 km.h-1 up a 10% grade while 1) pedalling at 84 rpm in a sitting position-84 Sit, 2) pedalling at 41 rpm in a standing position-41 Stand, and 3) pedalling at 41 rpm in a sitting position-41 Sit. Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (VE), and respiratory exchange ratio were measured continuously during 5-min trials and averaged over the last 2 min. Additionally, rating of perceived exertion was recorded during the fifth minute of each trial, and blood lactate concentration was recorded immediately before and after each trial. Significantly lower values for HR, VO2 and VE were recorded during 84 Sit (164 +/- 3 bpm, 51.8 +/- 0.8 ml.min-1 x kg-1, 94 +/- 5 l.min-1) than for either the 41 Stand (171 +/- 2 bpm, 53.1 +/- 0.7 ml.min-1 x kg-1, 105 +/- 6 l.min-1) o 41 Sit (168 +/- 2 bpm, 53.1 +/- 0.8 ml.min-1 x kg-1, 101 +/- 6 l.min-1) trials. No other differences were noted between trials for any of the measured variables. We conclude that uphill cycling is more economical at a high versus a low cadence.
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Abstracts EMG
Body configuration in cycling affects muscle recruitment and movement pattern.
Savelberg, H.H.C.M.; Van de Port, I.G.L.; Willems, P.J.B.Journal of Applied Biomechanics Nov 2003: Vol. 19 Issue 4. p. 310-324 15p.
By manipulating trunk angle in ergometer cycling, we studied the effect of body configuration on muscle recruitment and joint kinematics. Changing trunk angle affects the length of muscles that span the hip joint. It is hypothesized that this affects the recruitment of the muscles directly involved, and as a consequence of affected joint torque distributions, also influences the recruitment of more distal muscles and the kinematics of distal joints. It was found that changing the trunk from an upright position to approximately 20 deg forward or backward affected muscle activation patterns and kinematics in the entire lower limb. The knee joint was the only joint not affected by manipulation of the lengths of hip joint muscles. Changes in trunk angle affected ankle and hip joint kinematics and the orientation of the thigh. A similar pattern has been demonstrated for muscle activity: Both the muscles that span the hip joint and those acting on the ankle joint were affected with respect to timing and amplitude of EMG. Moreover, it was found that the association between muscle activity and muscle length was adapted to manipulation of trunk angle. In all three conditions, most of the muscles that were considered displayed some eccentric activity. The ratio of eccentric to concentric activity changed with trunk angle. The present study showed that trunk angle influences muscle recruitment and (inter)muscular dynamics in the entire limb. As this will have consequences for the efficiency of cycling, body configuration should be a factor in bicycle design.
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Desipres, M. (1974). An electromyographic study of competitive road cycling conditions simulated on a treadmill. In Nelson, R. C., Morehouse C, eds Biomechanics IV. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 349-355
Locally held at Pierce Library QP303 .I5 1973
Multivariable optimization of cycling biomechanics. (eng; includes abstract) By Gonzalez H, Hull ML, Journal Of Biomechanics [J Biomech], ISSN: 0021-9290, 1989; Vol. 22 (11-12), pp. 1151-61; PMID: 2625415; Relying on a biomechanical model of the lower limb which treats the leg-bicycle system as a five-bar linkage constrained to plane motion, a cost function derived from the joint moments developed during cycling is computed. At constant average power of 200 W, the effect of five variables on the cost function is studied. The five variables are pedalling rate, crank arm length, seat tube angle, seat height, and longitudinal foot position on the pedal. A sensitivity analysis of each of the five variables shows that pedalling rate is the most sensitive, followed by the crank arm length, seat tube angle, seat height, and longitudinal foot position on the pedal (the least sensitive). Based on Powell's method, a multivariable optimization search is made for the combination of variable values which minimize the cost function. For a rider of average anthropometry (height 1.78 m, weight 72.5 kg), a pedalling rate of 115 rev min-1, crank arm length of 0.140 m, seat tube angle of 76 degrees, seat height plus crank arm length equal to 97% of trochanteric leg length, and longitudinal foot position on the pedal equal to 54% of foot length correspond to the cost function global minimum. The effect of anthropometric parameter variations is also examined and these variations influence the results significantly. The optimal crank arm length, seat height, and longitudinal foot position on the pedal increase as the size of rider increases whereas the optimal cadence and seat tube angle decrease as the rider's size increases. The dependence of optimization results on anthropometric parameters emphasizes the importance of tailoring bicycle equipment to the anthropometry of the individual.
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Intra-session repeatability of lower limb muscles activation pattern during pedaling. By: Dorel, Sylvain; Couturier, Antoine; Hug, François. Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology, Oct2008, Vol. 18 Issue 5, p857-865, 9p; Abstract: Abstract: Assessment of intra-session repeatability of muscle activation pattern is of considerable relevance for research settings, especially when used to determine changes over time. However, the repeatability of lower limb muscles activation pattern during pedaling is not fully established. Thus, we tested the intra-session repeatability of the activation pattern of 10 lower limb muscles during a sub-maximal cycling exercise. Eleven triathletes participated to this study. The experimental session consisted in a reference sub-maximal cycling exercise (i.e. 150 W) performed before and after a 53-min simulated training session (mean power output=200±12W). Repeatability of EMG patterns was assessed in terms of muscle activity level (i.e. RMS of the mean pedaling cycle and burst) and muscle activation timing (i.e. onset and offset of the EMG burst) for the 10 following lower limb muscles: gluteus maximus (GMax), semimembranosus (SM), Biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius medianus (GM) and lateralis (GL), soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA). No significant differences concerning the muscle activation level were found between test and retest for all the muscles investigated. Only VM, SOL and TA showed significant differences in muscle activation timing parameters. Whereas ICC and SEM values confirmed this weak repeatability, cross-correlation coefficients suggest a good repeatability of the activation timing parameters for all the studied muscles. Overall, the main finding of this work is the good repeatability of the EMG pattern during pedaling both in term of muscle activity level and muscle activation timing. [Copyright 2008 Elsevier]; DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2007.03.002; (AN 34201384)
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EMG normalization to study muscle activation in cycling. By: Rouffet, David M.; Hautier, Christophe A.. Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology, Oct2008, Vol. 18 Issue 5, p866-878, 13p; Abstract: Abstract: The value of electromyography (EMG) is sensitive to many physiological and non-physiological factors. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the torque–velocity test (T–V) can be used to normalize EMG signals into a framework of biological significance. Peak EMG amplitude of gluteus maximus (GMAX), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris long head (BF), gastrocnemius medialis (GAS) and soleus (SOL) was calculated for nine subjects during isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVC) and torque–velocity bicycling tests (T–V). Then, the reference EMG signals obtained from IMVC and T–V bicycling tests were used to normalize the amplitude of the EMG signals collected for 15 different submaximal pedaling conditions. The results of this study showed that the repeatability of the measurements between IMVC (from 10% to 23%) and T–V (from 8% to 20%) was comparable. The amplitude of the peak EMG of VL was 99±43% higher (p <0.001) when measured during T–V. Moreover, the inter-individual variability of the EMG patterns calculated for submaximal cycling exercises differed significantly when using T–V bicycling normalization method (GMAX: 0.33±0.16 vs. 1.09±0.04, VL: 0.07±0.02 vs. 0.64±0.14, SOL: 0.07±0.03 vs. 1.00±0.07, RF: 1.21±0.20 vs. 0.92±0.13, BF: 1.47±0.47 vs. 0.84±0.11). It was concluded that T–V bicycling test offers the advantage to be less time and energy-consuming and to be as repeatable as IMVC tests to measure peak EMG amplitude. Furthermore, this normalization method avoids the impact of non-physiological factors on the amplitude of the EMG signals so that it allows quantifying better the activation level of lower limb muscles and the variability of the EMG patterns during submaximal bicycling exercises. [Copyright 2008 Elsevier]; DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2007.03.008; (AN 34201385)
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Cycling exercise and the determination of electromechanical delay .
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology , Volume 17 , Issue 5 , Pages 617 - 621
G . Sarre , R . Lepers
The main aim of the present paper was to address the validity of a methodology proposed in a previous paper [Li L, Baum BS. Electromechanical delay estimated by using electromyography during cycling at different pedaling frequencies. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2004;14(6):647–52], aimed at determining the electromechanical delay from pedaling exercise performed at various cadences. Twelve trained subjects undertook pedaling bouts corresponding to combinations of cadences ranging from 50 to 100 RPM and power output from 37.5% to 75% of Pmax. As cadence increased, peak torque angle was found to shift forward in crank cycle (from 60–65° at 50 RPM to 75–80° at 100 RPM, depending on the power output level), while muscle bursts shifted backward in accordance with previous works. It is therefore suggested to take into account this peak torque angle lag to improve the methodology proposed by Li and Baum. The present results also evidenced that the central strategy, consisting in earlier muscle activation in crank cycle as cadence increases, is only partial. Neural strategy seems to be a trade-off between mechanical efficiency of muscular force output and coactivation.
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Muscular activity level during pedalling is not affected by crank inertial load. By: Duc, S.; Villerius, V.; Bertucci, W.; Pernin, J. N.; Grappe, F.. European Journal of Applied Physiology, Oct2005, Vol. 95 Issue 2/3, p260-264, 5p, 2 charts, 1 graph; Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of gear ratio (GR) and thus crank inertial load (CIL), on the activity levels of lower limb muscles. Twelve competitive cyclists performed three randomised trials with their own bicycle equipped with a SRM crankset and mounted on an Axiom ergometer. The power output (~80% of maximal aerobic power) and the pedalling cadence were kept constant for each subject across all trials but three different GR (low, medium and high) were indirectly obtained for each trial by altering the electromagnetic brake of the ergometer. The low, medium and high GR (mean±SD) resulted in CIL of 44±3.7, 84±6.5 and 152±17.9 kg·m2, respectively. Muscular activity levels of the gluteus maximus (GM), the vastus medialis (VM), the vastus lateralis (VL), the rectus femoris (RF), the medial hamstrings (MHAM), the gastrocnemius (GAS) and the soleus (SOL) muscles were quantified and analysed by mean root mean square (RMSmean). The muscular activity levels of the measured lower limb muscles were not significantly affected when the CIL was increased approximately four fold. This suggests that muscular activity levels measured on different cycling ergometers (with different GR and flywheel inertia) can be compared among each other, as they are not influenced by CIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; DOI: 10.1007/s00421-005-1401-9; (AN 19095566)
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The effect of pedaling rate on coordination in cycling. (eng; includes abstract) By Neptune RR, Kautz SA, Hull ML, Journal Of Biomechanics [J Biomech], ISSN: 0021-9290, 1997 Oct; Vol. 30 (10), pp. 1051-8; PMID: 9391872; To further understand lower extremity neuromuscular coordination in cycling, the objectives of this study were to examine the effect of pedaling rate on coordination strategies and interpret any apparent changes. These objectives were achieved by collecting electromyography (EMG) data of eight lower extremity muscles and crank angle data from ten subjects at 250 W across pedaling rates ranging from 45 to 120 RPM. To examine the effect of pedaling rate on coordination, EMG burst onset and offset and integrated EMG (iEMG) were computed. In addition, a phase-controlled functional group (PCFG) analysis was performed to interpret observed changes in the EMG patterns in the context of muscle function. Results showed that the EMG onset and offset systematically advanced as pedaling rate increased except for the soleus which shifted later in the crank cycle. The iEMG results revealed that muscles responded differently to increased pedaling rate. The gastrocnemius, hamstring muscles and vastus medialis systematically increased muscle activity as pedaling rate increased. The gluteus maximus and soleus had significant quadratic trends with minimum values at 90 RPM, while the tibialis anterior and rectus femoris showed no significant association with pedaling rate. The PCFG analysis showed that the primary function of each lower extremity muscle remained the same at all pedaling rates. The PCFG analysis, which accounts for muscle activation dynamics, revealed that the earlier onset of muscle excitation produced muscle activity in the same region of the crank cycle. Also, while most of the muscles were excited for a single functional phase, the soleus and rectus femoris were excited during two functional phases. The soleus was classified as an extensor-bottom transition muscle, while the rectus femoris was classified as a top transition-extensor muscle. Further, the relative emphasis of each function appeared to shift as pedaling rate was increased, although each muscle remained bifunctional.
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Evaluation of the function of the gluteus maximus muscle. An electromyographic study. (eng) By Fischer FJ, Houtz SJ, American Journal Of Physical Medicine [Am J Phys Med], ISSN: 0002-9491, 1968 Aug; Vol. 47 (4), pp. 182-91; PMID: 5669839
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Abstracts PowerTap
Validity and Reliability of the PowerTap Mobile Cycling Powermeter when Compared with the SRM Device. By: W. Bertucci. International Journal of Sports Medicine, Dec2005, Vol. 26 Issue 10, p868-873, 6p; Abstract: The SRM power measuring crank system is nowadays a popular device for cycling power output (PO) measurements in the field and in laboratories. The PowerTap (CycleOps, Madison, USA) is a more recent and less well-known device that allows mobile PO measurements of cycling via the rear wheel hub. The aim of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the PowerTap by comparing it with the most accurate (i.e. the scientific model) of the SRM system. The validity of the PowerTap is tested during i) sub-maximal incremental intensities (ranging from 100 to 420 W) on a treadmill with different pedalling cadences (45 to 120 rpm) and cycling positions (standing and seated) on different grades, ii) a continuous sub-maximal intensity lasting 30 min, iii) a maximal intensity (8-s sprint), and iiii) real road cycling. The reliability is assessed by repeating ten times the sub-maximal incremental and continuous tests. The results show a good validity of the PowerTap during sub-maximal intensities between 100 and 450 W (mean PO difference -1.2 ± 1.3 %) when it is compared to the scientific SRM model, but less validity for the maximal PO during sprint exercise, where the validity appears to depend on the gear ratio. The reliability of the PowerTap during the sub-maximal intensities is similar to the scientific SRM model (the coefficient of variation is respectively 0.9 to 2.9 % and 0.7 to 2.1 % for PowerTap and SRM). The PowerTap must be considered as a suitable device for PO measurements during sub-maximal real road cycling and in sub-maximal laboratory tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; (AN 20136475)
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Validity and Reproducibility of the Ergomo Pro Power Meter Compared With the SRM and Powertap Power Meters. Duc, Sébastien; Villerius, Vincent; Bertucci, William; Grappe, Frédéric, International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance Sep2007, Vol. 2 Issue 3, p270 (English Abstract Available) Abstract: Purpose: The Ergomo®Pro (EP) is a power meter that measures power output (PO) during outdoor and indoor cycling via 2 optoelectronic sensors located in the bottom bracket axis. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and the reproducibility of the EP compared with the SRM crank set and Powertap hub (PT). Method: The validity of the EP was tested in the laboratory during 8 submaximal incremental tests (PO: 100 to 400 W), eight 30-min submaximal constant-power tests (PO = 180 W), and 8 sprint tests (PO > 750 W) and in the field during 8 training sessions (time: 181 ± 73 min; PO: ~140 to 150 W). The reproducibility was assessed by calculating the coefficient of PO variation (CV) during the submaximal incremental and constant tests. Results: The EP provided a significantly higher PO than the SRM and PT during the submaximal incremental test: The mean PO differences were +6.3% ± 2.5% and +11.1% ± 2.1%, respectively. The difference was greater during field training sessions (+12.0% ± 5.7% and +16.5% ± 5.9%) but lower during sprint tests (+1.6% ± 2.5% and +3.2% ± 2.7%). The reproducibility of the EP is lower than those of the SRM and PT (CV = 4.1% ± 1.8%, 1.9% ± 0.4%, and 2.1% ± 0.8%, respectively). Conclusions: The EP power meter appears less valid and reliable than the SRM and PT systems.
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Ergometer Error and Biological Variation in Power Output in a Performance Test with Three Cycle Ergometers. Paton, C.D.; Hopkins, W.G., International Journal of Sports Medicine June 2006: Vol. 27 Issue 6. p. 444-447 (English Abstract Available) Abstract: When physical performance is monitored with an ergometer, random error arising from the ergometer combines with biological variation from the subject to limit the precision of estimation of performance changes. We report here the contributions of ergometer error and biological variation to the error of measurement in a performance test with two popular cycle ergometers (air-braked Kingcycle, mobile SRM crankset) and a relatively new inexpensive mobile ergometer (PowerTap hub). Eleven well-trained male cyclists performed a familiarization trial followed by three 5-min time trials within 2 wk on a racing cycle fitted with the SRM and PowerTap and mounted on the Kingcycle. Mean power output in each trial was recorded with all ergometers simultaneously. A novel analysis using mixed modelling of log-transformed mean power provided estimates of the standard error of measurement as a coefficient of variation and its components arising from the ergometer and the cyclists. The usual errors of measurement were: Kingcycle 2.2 %, PowerTap 1.5 %, and SRM 1.6 % (90 % confidence limits +/- 1.3). The components of these errors arising purely from the ergometers and the cyclists were: Kingcycle 1.8 %, PowerTap 0.9 %, SRM 1.1 %, and cyclists 1.2 % (+/- 1.5). Thus, ergometer errors and biological variation made substantial contributions to the usual error of measurement. Use of the best ergometers and of test protocols that reduce biological variation would improve monitoring of the small changes that matter to elite athletes.
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Accuracy of SRM and power tap power monitoring systems for bicycling. (eng; includes abstract) By Gardner AS, Stephens S, Martin DT, Lawton E, Lee H, Jenkins D, Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise [Med Sci Sports Exerc], ISSN: 0195-9131, 2004 Jul; Vol. 36 (7), pp. 1252-8; PMID: 15235334; PURPOSE:: Although manufacturers of bicycle power monitoring devices SRM and Power Tap (PT) claim accuracy to within 2.5%, there are limited scientific data available in support. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the accuracy of SRM and PT under different conditions. METHODS:: First, 19 SRM were calibrated, raced for 11 months, and retested using a dynamic CALRIG (50-1000 W at 100 rpm). Second, using the same procedure, five PT were repeat tested on alternate days. Third, the most accurate SRM and PT were tested for the influence of cadence (60, 80, 100, 120 rpm), temperature (8 and 21 degrees C) and time (1 h at ~300 W) on accuracy. Finally, the same SRM and PT were downloaded and compared after random cadence and gear surges using the CALRIG and on a training ride. RESULTS:: The mean error scores for SRM and PT factory calibration over a range of 50 - 1000 W were 2.3 +/- 4.9% and -2.5 +/- 0.5%, respectively. A second set of trials provided stable results for 15 calibrated SRM after 11 months (-0.8 +/- 1.7%), and follow-up testing of all PT units confirmed these findings (-2.7 +/- 0.1%). Accuracy for SRM and PT was not largely influenced by time and cadence; however, power output readings were noticeably influenced by temperature (5.2% for SRM and 8.4% for PT). During field trials, SRM average and max power were 4.8% and 7.3% lower, respectively, compared with PT. CONCLUSIONS:: When operated according to manufacturers instructions, both SRM and PT offer the coach, athlete, and sport scientist the ability to accurately monitor power output in the lab and the field. Calibration procedures matching performance tests (duration, power, cadence, and temperature) are, however, advised as the error associated with each unit may vary.
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Abstracts Power
Power Output During a Professional Men's Road-Cycling Tour. Ebert, Tammie R.; Martin, David T.; Stephens, Brian; Withers, Robert T., International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance Dec2006, Vol. 1 Issue 4, p324 (English Abstract Available) Abstract: Purpose: To quantify the power-output demands of men's road-cycling stage racing using a direct measure of power output. Methods: Power-output data were collected from 207 races over 6 competition years on 31 Australian national male road cyclists. Subjects performed a maximal graded exercise test in the laboratory to determine maximum aerobic-power output, and bicycles were fitted with SRM power meters. Races were described as flat, hilly, or criterium, and linear mixed modeling was used to compare the races. Results: Criterium was the shortest race and displayed the highest mean power output (criterium 262 ± 30 v hilly 203 ± 32 v flat 188 ± 30 W), percentage total race time above 7.5 W/kg (criterium 15.5% ± 4.1% v hilly 3.8% ± 1.7% v flat 3.5% ± 1.4%) and SD in power output (criterium 250 v hilly 165 v fiat 169 W). Approximately 67%, 80%, and 85% of total race time was spent below 5 W/kg for criterium, hilly and fiat races, respectively. About 70, 40, and 20 sprints above maximum aerobic-power output occurred during criterium, hilly, and fiat races, respectively, with most sprints being 6 to 10 s. Conclusions: These data extend previous research documenting the demands of men's road cycling. Despite the relatively low mean power output, races were characterized by multiple high-intensity surges above maximum aerobic-power output. These data can be used to develop sport-specific interval-training programs that replicate the demands of competition.
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Dynamic pacing strategies during the cycle phase of an Ironman triathlon. (eng; includes abstract) By Abbiss CR, Quod MJ, Martin DT, Netto KJ, Nosaka K, Lee H, Surriano R, Bishop D, Laursen PB, Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise [Med Sci Sports Exerc], ISSN: 0195-9131, 2006 Apr; Vol. 38 (4), pp. 726-34; PMID: 16679990; INTRODUCTION: A nonlinear dynamic systems model has previously been proposed to explain pacing strategies employed during exercise. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the pacing strategies used under varying conditions during the cycle phase of an Ironman triathlon. METHODS: The bicycles of six well-trained male triathletes were equipped with SRM power meters set to record power output, cadence, speed, and heart rate. The flat, three-lap, out-and-back cycle course, coupled with relatively consistent wind conditions (17-30 km x h(-1)), enabled comparisons to be made between three consecutive 60-km laps and relative wind direction (headwind vs tailwind). RESULTS: Participants finished the cycle phase (180 km) with consistently fast performance times (5 h, 11 +/- 2 min; top 10% of all finishers). Average power output (239 +/- 25 to 203 +/- 20 W), cadence (89 +/- 6 to 82 +/- 8 rpm), and speed (36.5 +/- 0.8 to 33.1 +/- 0.8 km x h(-1)) all significantly decreased with increasing number of laps (P < 0.05). These variables, however, were not significantly different between headwind and tailwind sections. The deviation (SD) in power output and cadence did not change with increasing number of laps; however, the deviations in torque (6.8 +/- 1.6 and 5.8 +/- 1.3 N x m) and speed (2.1 +/- 0.5 and 1.6 +/- 0.3 km x h(-1)) were significantly greater under headwind compared with tailwind conditions, respectively. The median power frequency tended to be lower in headwind (0.0480 +/- 0.0083) compared with tailwind (0.0531 +/- 0.0101) sections. CONCLUSION: These data show evidence that a nonlinear dynamic pacing strategy is used by well-trained triathletes throughout various segments and conditions of the Ironman cycle phase. Moreover, an increased variation in torque and speed was found in the headwind versus the tailwind condition.
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Power output during women's World Cup road cycle racing. (eng; includes abstract) By Ebert TR, Martin DT, McDonald W, Victor J, Plummer J, Withers RT, European Journal Of Applied Physiology [Eur J Appl Physiol], ISSN: 1439-6319, 2005 Dec; Vol. 95 (5-6), pp. 529-36; PMID: 16151832; Little information exists on the power output demands of competitive women's road cycle racing. The purpose of our investigation was to document the power output generated by elite female road cyclists who achieved success in FLAT and HILLY World Cup races. Power output data were collected from 27 top-20 World Cup finishes (19 FLAT and 8 HILLY) achieved by 15 nationally ranked cyclists (mean +/- SD; age: 24.1+/-4.0 years; body mass: 57.9+/-3.6 kg; height: 168.7+/-5.6 cm; VO2max 63.6+/-2.4 mL kg(-1) min(-1); peak power during graded exercise test (GXT(peak power)): 310+/-25 W). The GXT determined GXT(peak power), VO2peak lactate threshold (LT) and anaerobic threshold (AT). Bicycles were fitted with SRM powermeters, which recorded power (W), cadence (rpm), distance (km) and speed (km h(-1)). Racing data were analysed to establish time in power output and metabolic threshold bands and maximal mean power (MMP) over different durations. When compared to HILLY, FLAT were raced at a similar cadence (75+/-8 vs. 75+/-4 rpm, P=0.93) but higher speed (37.6+/-2.6 vs. 33.9+/-2.7 km h(-1), P=0.008) and power output (192+/-21 vs. 169+/-17 W, P=0.04; 3.3+/-0.3 vs. 3.0+/-0.4 W kg(-1), P=0.04). During FLAT races, riders spent significantly more time above 500 W, while greater race time was spent between 100 and 300 W (LT-AT) for HILLY races, with higher MMPs for 180-300 s. Racing terrain influenced the power output profiles of our internationally competitive female road cyclists. These data are the first to define the unique power output requirements associated with placing well in both flat and hilly women's World Cup cycling events.
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Yoshihuku, Y., & Herzog, W. (1996, April). Maximal muscle power output in cycling: A modelling approach. Journal of Sports Sciences, 14(2), 139-157. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from E-Journals database.
This study sought to find the optimal design parameters for a bicycle-rider system (crank length, pelvic inclination, seat height and rate of crank rotation) that maximise the power output from muscles of the human lower limb during cycling. The human lower limb was modelled as a planar system of five rigid bodies connected by four frictionless pin joints and driven by seven functional muscle groups. The muscles were assumed to behave according to an adapted form of Hill's (1938) equation, incorporating the muscle force-length relation. The force-length relation and the values of length that served'as input into the relations of the various muscles were defined in the following two ways: (1) the force-length relation was parabolic, based on the experiment of Woittiez et al. (1984), and the length was defined as the whole muscle length; and (2) the force-length relation was expressed as a combination of lines, based on the cross-bridge theory, and the length was defined as muscle fibre length. In the second definition, the joint configurations at which four of the seven muscle groups reached optimal length (i.e. the length at which the muscle can exert maximal isometric force) were further given in two ways. The first way was consistent with a previous study from this laboratory (Yoshihuku and Herzog, 1990); the second way relied on unpublished experimental data. The dependence of the average power on the design parameters and definitions of the force-length relation and muscle length was examined. Maximal average power for one full crank rotation with a crank length of 0.17 m was found to be about 1300 W for definition 1 and 1000 W for definition 2. The average power was more sensitive to changes in design parameters in definition 2 than definition 1. The optimal rate of crank rotation with a crank length of 0.17 m was 18.4 rad s-1 (176 rev min-1) for definition 1 (this value is different from the result of the previous study due to revisions in input for two muscle groups), and 15.2 rad s-1 (145 rev min-1) and 14.6 rad s-1 (139 rev min-1) for definition 2.
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Other References of interest
Baker, A. (2008). Bike Fit, (3rd ed.). Victoria, TX: Argo.
Hamley, EJ; Thomas, V. (1967, July). Physiological and postural factors in the calibration of the bicycle ergometer. The Journal Of Physiology, 191(2), 55P-56p. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
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Faria E., & Cavanagh, P.R. (1978). The physiology and biomechanics of cycling ACSM series. New York: John Wiley.
Rugg, S. G., Gregor, R. J. (1987)The effect of seat height on muscle lengths, velocities and moment arm lengths during cycling. J. Biomechanics, (20) 899.
