Effects on the crank torque profile when changing pedalling cadence in level ground and uphill road cycling.

Full Abstract

Despite the importance of uphill cycling performance during cycling competitions, there is very little research investigating uphill cycling, particularly concerning field studies. The lack of research is partly due to the difficulties in obtaining data in the field. The aim of this study was to analyse the crank torque in road cycling on level and uphill using different pedalling cadences in the seated position. Seven male cyclists performed four tests in the seated position (1) on level ground at 80 and 100 rpm, and (2) on uphill road cycling (9.25% grade) at 60 and 80 rpm.The cyclists exercised for 1 min at their maximal aerobic power. The bicycle was equipped with the SRM Training System (Schoberer, Germany) for the measurement of power output (W), torque (Nm), pedalling cadence (rpm), and cycling velocity (km h(-1)). The most important finding of this study indicated that at maximal aerobic power the crank torque profile (relationship between torque and crank angle) varied substantially according to the pedalling cadence and with a minor effect according to the terrain. At the same power output and pedalling cadence (80 rpm) the torque at a 45 degrees crank angle tended (p < 0.06) to be higher (+26%) during uphill cycling compared to level cycling. During uphill cycling at 60 rpm the peak torque was increased by 42% compared with level ground cycling at 100 rpm. When the pedalling cadence was modified, most of the variations in the crank torque profile were localised in the power output sector (45 degrees to 135 degrees).

Author information

Author/s: Bertucci, William (W); Grappe, Frederic (F); Girard, Amaury (A); Betik, Andrew (A); Rouillon, Jean Denis (JD);

Affiliation: Laboratoire de Mécanique Appliquée, Université de Franche Comté, U.M.R. C.N.R.S. 6604, 24 chemin de l'Epitaphe, 25000 Besançon, France. wil.ber(-atsign-)oreka.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article

Journal: Journal of biomechanics (J Biomech), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2005-May; vol 38 (issue 5) : pp 1003-10

Dates: Created 2005/03/30; Completed 2005/07/12; Revised 2009/11/03;

PMID: 15797582, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/3/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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