Impact of rider position and pedalling cadence on power output and bilateral asymmetry in indoor cycling

Abstract

This study examines the effects of pedalling cadence and the rider's position on power output and pedalling asymmetry during indoor cycling. METHODS:

Participants were 25 male indoor cycling instructors (32.4±4.8 years; 75.7±4.9 kg; 174±4.2 cm) with at least 3 years of cycling experience. In a single session, participants completed 9 training intervals consisting of different combinations of position (standing, sitting), pedalling cadence (75, 100, 120 rpm) and training intensity (75, 80, 85% maximum heart rate, HRmax). RESULTS:

During standing intervals, power output was lower (132.4±72.6 W vs 197.5±53.5 W; p<0.05) and the bilateral leg asymmetry index was greater (52.2±76.6% vs 12.4±9%; p<0.05) than when subjects pedalled while sitting for a similar work intensity. In contrast, higher power outputs (238.1±46.3 W vs 153±52.7 W; p<0.05) and lower asymmetry indices (30.4±39.2% vs 12.6±11%; p<0.05) were recorded in intervals performed at 75 rpm versus 120 rpm despite similar exercise intensities. CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate that at similar training intensities, pedalling while standing during indoor cycling generates fewer watts and greater asymmetry than pedalling while sitting. We also observed that a slower pedalling cadence (75 rpm) gives rise to greater generated power and a lower asymmetry index than a faster pedalling cadence (120 rpm).