Joint specific power production in cycling: The effect of cadence and intensity.

Abstract

BackgroundThe effect of cadence and work rate on the joint specific power production in cycling has previously been studied, but research has primarily focused on cadences above 60 rpm, without examining the effect of low cadence on joint contribution to power.PurposeOur purpose was to investigate joint specific power production in recreational and elite cyclists during low- and moderate cycling at a range of different cadences.Methods18 male cyclists (30.9 ± 2.7 years with a work rate in watt at lactate threshold of 282.3 ± 9.3 W) performed cycling bouts at seven different pedalling rates and three intensities. Joint specific power was calculated from kinematic measurements and pedal forces using inverse dynamics at a total of 21 different stages.ResultsA main effect of cadence on the relative to the total joint power for hip-, knee- and ankle joint power was found (all p ConclusionThis study demonstrates that there is an effect of cadence on the hip- and knee joint contribution in cycling, however, the effect only occurs from 60 rpm and upward. It also demonstrates that there is a difference in joint contribution between elite- and recreational cyclists, and provide evidence for the possibility of achieving higher relative hip joint power at low intensity than moderate intensity by altering the cadence.