Influence of pedaling technique on metabolic efficiency in elite cyclists

Cámara, J.; Maldonado-Martín, S.; Artetxe-Gezuraga, X.; Vanicek, N.

Abstract

Our objective was to investigate the influence of pedaling technique on gross efficiency (GE) at various exercise intensities in twelve elite cyclists (V̇O 2max=75.7 ± 6.2 mL•kg -1•min -1). Each cyclist completed a V̇O 2max assessment, skinfold measurements, and an incremental test to determine their lactate threshold (LT) and onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) values. The GE was determined during a three-phase incremental exercise test (below LT, at LT, and at OBLA). We did not find a significant relationship between pedaling technique and GE just below the LT. However, at the LT, there was a significant correlation between GE and mean torque and evenness of torque distribution (r=0.65 and r=0.66, respectively; p < 0.05). At OBLA, as the cadence frequency increased, the GE declined (r=-0.81, p < 0.05). These results suggest that exercise intensity plays an important role in the relationship between pedaling technique and GE.

Citation

Cámara, J., Maldonado-Martín, S., Artetxe-Gezuraga, X., & Vanicek, N. (2012). Influence of pedaling technique on metabolic efficiency in elite cyclists. Biology of Sport, 29(3), 229-233. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1003448

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 11, 2012
• Online Publication Date: Aug 22, 2014
• Publication Date: Aug 10, 2012
• Deposit Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Journal: Biology of Sport
• Print ISSN: 0860-021X
• Electronic ISSN: 2083-1862
• Publisher: Termedia Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 229-233
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1003448
• Keywords: Biomechanics; Blood lactate concentration; Exercise
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3635304
• Publisher URL: https://www.termedia.pl/Original-paper-INFLUENCE-OF-PEDALING-TECHNIQUE-ON-METABOLIC-EFFICIENCY-IN-ELITE-CYCLISTS,78,23399,0,1.html