acta facultatis educationis physicae universitatis comenianae

Assessment of pedalling techniques on a bicycle depending on intensity of training load
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ASSESSMENT OF PEDALLING TECHNIQUES ON A BICYCLE
DEPENDING ON INTENSITY OF TRAINING LOAD
Juraj Karas
Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
Summary: The aim of the study was to compare the cyclical fluctuations propulsive force
produced during pedalling as a criterion for the assessment of technique in cyclists, and noncyclist
at different exercise intensities at frequency of 90 revolutions per minute. Twenty
competitive road cyclists and 20 fit non-cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. Both
groups underwent in random order one-minute exercise on the isokinetic cycle ergometer at
intensity of 100, 200 and 300 watt, and at the end also a 10-second maximum effort bout at
frequency of 90 revolutions per minute. Propulsive force (the force transmitted through the
chain to the braked flywheel) was recorded during the tests. From each minute exercise the
average values of minimum, maximum and average force of 360-degree pedalling cycle were
obtained. In addition equality coefficient of pedalling as a percent difference between maximum,
minimum force, and average force was calculated. Results showed significant differences
(p < 0,05) in equality pedalling coefficient during 200-watt load and in 300-watt load. Differences
were found for those loads, which cyclists prefer in their training and racing. The results
proved a specific effect of training on pedalling technique depending on the training intensity
of preferred pedalling frequencies.
Key words: equality pedalling coefficient, exercise intensity, pedalling technique
Introduction
Good performance in endurance sports depends not only on maximum aerobic power,
but also sufficiently high mechanical efficiency of muscular work. Its level is determined
by the efficiency of converting energy sources (fat and sugar) into usable energy in muscle
cells macroergic phosphates (ATP and CP), as well as the effect of its further conversion into
mechanical work of muscle contraction itself. An important factor that affects the mechanical
efficiency is technique. Its significance is the greater; the more technically demanding movement
is implemented.
Even though pedalling a bicycle is one of the relatively simple and low-tech physical
activities, differences between road cyclists and non-cyclists moderately fit in mechanical
efficiency exist. While individuals of the general population reach the gross mechanical
efficiency of approximately 20 % (Hamid et al., 2005), for the trained cyclists values up to
about 25 % are reported (Burke, 2003).
Under the technique in cycling we understand way in which the force produced by leg
muscles is transmitted to pedal a bicycle. One of the factors pedalling technique can be
Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae LII/I