Bivariate optimization of pedalling rate and crank arm length in cycling

Hull, M.L.; Gonzalez, Hiroko K.

doi:10.1016/0021-9290(88)90016-4

Cited by 57 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Several investigations have tried to explain the discrepancy found between the f _ V V O2,min in laboratory conditions and the preferred pedalling rate in field conditions, by using criteria other than the minimisation of energy expenditure, such as an optimisation of the force applied to the pedals (Sanderson 1991), a minimisation of the lower extremity net joint moments (Marsh et al 2000), a minimisation of integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of the muscles (Pattersson and Moreno 1990;Takaishi et al 1996) and/or a minimisation of the accumulation of lactate in the muscles (Bo¨ning et al 1984). Moreover, theoretical studies (using intersegmental moments computed though inverse dynamics) have predicted optimal pedalling rate of 95-100 rpm by using muscle endurance-based cost functions (Hull and Gonzales 1988). Recent studies of Chavarren and Calbet (1999) and Francescato et al (1995) have showed that the D efficiency index (ratio of the change in work accomplished to the change in energy expended) could explain the discrepancy between optimal and preferred pedalling rates, since D efficiency increased with the pedalling rate during submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of pedalling rate on the energy cost of cycling in humans

Belli¹,

Hintzy²

2002

European Journal of Applied Physiology

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To determine the optimal pedalling rate that minimises both the oxygen consumption (fV(O2,min)) and the energy cost of cycling (f(Cr,min)), 22 male subjects were asked to cycle on an ergometer on five occasions of 4 min each at a constant power output of 150 W and at pedalling rates of 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 rpm. The oxygen consumption (V(O2) in millilitres per minute per kilogram) and the energy cost (Cr in joules per kilogram per metre) were determined during each period. The individual V(O2)-pedalling rate and Cr-pedalling rate relationships were fitted by parabolic regressions which allowed the determination for each individual of fV(O2,min) [mean (SD) 57.0 (4.9) rpm] and f(Cr,min) [101.1 (3.2) rpm], respectively. Contrary to the values obtained for fV(O2,min), those for f(Cr,min) were in agreement with the pedalling rates (90-110 rpm) usually selected in road cycling. It is therefore suggested that the minimisation of Cr is the main factor that determines the pedalling rate in field conditions. The lack of a significant correlation between fV(O2,min) and f(Cr,min) further indicated that, although fV(O2,min) is often used for determining the metabolic capacities of subjects, f(Cr,min) is a better index of optimal mechanical parameters of cycling in field conditions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of pedalling rate on the energy cost of cycling in humans

Belli¹,

Hintzy²

2002

European Journal of Applied Physiology

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“…One may consider that the subjects in this study with peak work Ͼ peak V O 2 were more familiar with bicycle exercise than the subjects in the peak V O 2 Ͼ peak work group, thus allowing them a potential biomechanical advantage by more efficient pedaling to generate work. 26 However, we do not think this factor was relevant, because there was no overall difference in the use of or experience with bicycle ergometry in any of the 3 groups.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Maximal Exercise Capacity: Peak Work or Peak Oxygen Consumption?

Kaminsky

Knyazhitskiy²,

Sadeghi

et al. 2013

Respir Care

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BACKGROUND: Exercise capacity assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing is usually measured by peak oxygen consumption (V O 2 ). However, not uncommonly, patients achieve a relatively higher work load (peak work) compared to their peak V O 2 . In these situations it is difficult to know which parameter to use in assessing exercise capacity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are distinguishing physiological characteristics of patients with discordance between percent-of-predicted peak work versus peak V O 2 , in order to understand how to use these measurements in interpreting exercise capacity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 172 cardiopulmonary exercise tests performed at our institution between 2003 and 2010. RESULTS: The subjects in the higher peak work group demonstrated higher ventilatory efficiency (lower slope of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production) and lung function (FEV 1 and FVC), a greater breathing reserve (higher breathing reserve, lower V E /maximal voluntary ventilation), and achieved a higher maximal heart rate. Subjects in the higher maximum V O 2 group were heavier, had lower ventilatory efficiency, and had a reduced breathing reserve. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the predominant independent factors associated with group assignment were body mass index, breathing reserve, and peak heart rate. The subjects with higher percent-of-predicted peak work than peak V O 2 had a lower body mass index, a greater breathing reserve, and a higher peak heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: The observation that there are distinguishing physiological features between those who have a higher peak work and those who have higher peak V O 2 provides insight into the underlying processes determining maximal exercise capacity.

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“…Previous research has demonstrated considerable variation in the optimal range of crank lengths for cycling performance (Conrad 1983;Inbar et al 1983;Hull and Gonzalez 1988;Morris and Londeree 1997;Too and Landwer 2000;Martin and Spirduso 2001). Shorter crank lengths (B170 mm) tend to favour athletes with shorter leg lengths (Martin and Spirduso 2001), those preferring a faster cadence (Hull and Gonzalez 1988) and those interested in developing supra-maximal performances for short time periods (Inbar et al 1983;Too and Landwer 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Influence of crank length on cycle ergometry performance of well-trained female cross-country mountain bike athletes

Macdermid

Edwards

2009

Eur J Appl Physiol

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The aim of this study was to determine the differential effects of three commonly used crank lengths (170, 172.5 and 175 mm) on performance measures relevant to female cross-country mountain bike athletes (n = 7) of similar stature. All trials were performed in a single blind and balanced order with a 5- to 7-day period between trials. Both saddle height and fore-aft position to pedal axle distance at a crank angle of 90 degrees was controlled across all trials. The laboratory tests comprised a supra-maximal (peak power-cadence); an isokinetic (50 rpm) test; and a maximal test of aerobic capacity. The time to reach supra-maximal peak power was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter in the 170 mm (2.57 +/- 0.79 s) condition compared to 175 mm (3.29 +/- 0.76 s). This effect represented a mean performance advantage of 27.8% for 170 mm compared to 175 mm. There was no further inter-condition differences between performance outcome measurements derived for the isokinetic (50 rpm) maximum power output, isokinetic (50 rpm) mean power output or indices of endurance performance. The decreased time to peak power with the greater rate of power development in the 170 mm condition suggests a race advantage may be achieved using a shorter crank length than commonly observed. Additionally, there was no impediment to either power output produced at low cadences or indices of endurance performance using the shorter crank length and the advantage of being able to respond quickly to a change in terrain could be of strategic importance to elite athletes.

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Bivariate optimization of pedalling rate and crank arm length in cycling

Cited by 57 publications

References 6 publications

Influence of pedalling rate on the energy cost of cycling in humans

Influence of pedalling rate on the energy cost of cycling in humans

Assessing Maximal Exercise Capacity: Peak Work or Peak Oxygen Consumption?

Influence of crank length on cycle ergometry performance of well-trained female cross-country mountain bike athletes

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