The Relationship Between Freely Chosen Cadence and Optimal Cadence in Cycling

Abstract

Purpose:The main aim of this study was to compare the freely chosen cadence (FCC) and the cadence at which the blood lactate concentration at constant power output is minimized (optimal cadence [Copt]). The second aim was to examine the effect of a concomitant change of road incline and body position on FCC, the maximal external power output (Pmax), and the corresponding Copt.Methods:FCC, Copt, and Pmax were analyzed under 2 conditions: cycling on level ground in a dropped position (LGDP) and cycling uphill in an upright position (UHUP). Seven experienced cyclists participated in this study. They cycled on a treadmill to test the 2 main hypotheses: Experienced cyclists would choose an adequate cadence close to Copt independent of the cycling condition, and FCC and Copt would be lower and Pmax higher for UHUP than with LGDP.Results:Most but not all experienced cyclists chose an adequate cadence close to Copt. Independent of the cycling condition, FCC and Copt were not statistically different. FCC (82.1 ± 11.1 and 89.3 ± 10.6 rpm, respectively) and Copt (81.5 ± 9.8 and 87.7 ± 10.9 rpm, respectively) were significantly lower and Pmax was significantly higher (2.0 ± 2.1%) for UHUP than for LGDP.Conclusion:Most experienced cyclists choose a cadence near Copt to minimize peripheral fatigue at a given power output independent of the cycling condition. Furthermore, it is advantageous to use a lower cadence and a more upright body position during uphill cycling.

Muscle fatigue in participants of indoor cycling

“…Therefore, one great advantage of JASA method is that the subjects do not have to interrupt the task intermittently to perform isometric contractions, such as the MVC test 34 . Previous reports have shown that reductions in frequency, action potential amplitude, and conduction velocity that occur during static and dynamic muscle contraction are associated with an accumulation of metabolic by-products and changes in the intracellular pH, a feature that varies according to the quality and duration of the exercise 35,36 . We also used the JASA method to consider both RMS and MF over the session.…”

INSCYD physiological performance software is valid to determine the maximal lactate steady state in male and female cyclists

“…This workload corresponded to the easy/moderate intensity domain. The subjects were free to use their preferred cadence to minimize peripheral fatigue ( 21 ). After the warm-up, the subjects rested for 10 min by sitting on a chair.…”

Energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and heart rate while exercising on seven different indoor cardio machines at maximum and self-selected submaximal intensity

“…Particular emphasis was placed on stride frequency and length on the TMILL, rpm (revolutions per min) on the three different bikes and ELLIP, and the number of strokes per min on the ROW. For this purpose, the current scientific evidence in this regard was considered (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34). Study participants also received information regarding the use of the RPE based on the current guidelines (35).…”