Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.26582/k.48.2.12

Pedal force asymmetries and performance during a 20-km cycling time trial

Rodrigo R. Bini ; Escola de Educação Física do Exército, Centro de Capacitação Física do Exército, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tiago C. Jacques ; Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Carlos H. Sperb ; Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Fábio J. Lanferdini ; Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Marco A. Vaz ; Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Abstract

It is unclear if applying larger or more symmetrical pedal forces leads to better performance in cycling. The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between pedal force production and performance in a cycling time trial and to evaluate the relationship between asymmetries in pedal force production and performance. Fifteen competitive cyclists/triathletes performed a 20 km cycling time trial on a cycle trainer while bilateral forces applied to the pedals were recorded along with total time. Total forces applied to the pedals were computed and converted into dominant and non-dominant forces using a leg preference inventory. Pedal force asymmetries ranged from 43% (in favour of the dominant limb) to 34% (in favour of the non-dominant limb). The relationship between total pedal force (averaged from both pedals) and performance time was small (r=-.32, effect size=.66) as well as the association between the asymmetry indices and performance time (r=.01, effect size=.06). In conclusion, applying large forces on the pedals and balancing pedal force application between the dominant and non-dominant limbs did not lead to better performance in this cycling time trial.

Keywords

left/right asymmetry; Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire; pedalling technique; power output; pedalling cadence

Hrčak ID:

168650

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/168650

Publication date:

23.12.2016.

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