In professional road cyclists, low pedaling cadences are less efficient

Purpose: To determine the effects of changes in pedaling frequency on the gross efficiency (GE) and other physiological variables (oxygen uptake (V̇O2), HR, lactate, pH, ventilation, motor unit recruitment estimated by EMG) of professional cyclists while generating high power outputs (PO). Methods:...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lucía Mulas, Alejandro, San Juan, Alejandro F., Montilla, Manuel, Cañete, Silvia, Santalla Hernández, Alfredo, Earnest, C. P., Pérez Ruiz, Margarita
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2004
País:España
Institución:Universidad Europea (UEM)
Repositorio:ABACUS. Repositorio de Producción Científica
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:abacus.universidadeuropea.com:11268/5644
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11268/5644
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ciclismo - Aspectos fisiológicos
Medicina deportiva
Fisiología
Descripción
Sumario:Purpose: To determine the effects of changes in pedaling frequency on the gross efficiency (GE) and other physiological variables (oxygen uptake (V̇O2), HR, lactate, pH, ventilation, motor unit recruitment estimated by EMG) of professional cyclists while generating high power outputs (PO). Methods: Following a counterbalanced, cross-over design, eight professional cyclists (age (mean ± SD): 26 ± 2 yr, V̇O 2max: 74.0 ± 5.7 mL·kg-1·min -1) performed three 6-min bouts at a fixed PO (mean of 366 ± 37 W) and at a cadence of 60, 80, and 100 rpm. Results: Values of GE averaged 22.4 ± 1.7, 23.6 ± 1.8 and 24.2 ± 2.0% at 60, 80, and 100 rpm, respectively. Mean GE at 100 rpm was significantly higher than at 60 rpm (P < 0.05). Similarly, mean values of V̇O2, HR, rates of perceived exertion (RPE), lactate and normalized root-mean square EMG (rms-EMG) in both vastus lateralis and gluteus maximum muscles decreased at increasing cadences. Conclusions: In professional road cyclists riding at high PO, GE/economy improves at increasing pedaling cadences.