Research article summary (published 20 Sep 2006):

Muscle activation during cycling at different cadences: effect of maximal strength capacity.

Full Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of maximal strength capacity on muscle activation, during cycling, at three selected cadences: a low cadence (50 rpm), a high cadence (110 rpm) and the freely chosen cadence (FCC). Two groups of trained cyclists were selected on the basis of the different maximal isokinetic voluntary contraction values (MVCi) of their lower extremity muscles as follow: F(min) (lower MVCi group) and F(max) (higher MVCi group). All subjects performed three 4-min cycling exercises at a power output corresponding to 80% of the ventilatory threshold under the three cadences. Neuromuscular activity of vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) was studied quantitatively (integrated electromyography, IEMG) and qualitatively (timing of muscle bursts during crank cycle). Cadence effects were observed on the EMG activity of VL muscle and on the burst onset of the BF, VL and RF muscles. A greater normalized EMG activity of VL muscle was observed for the F(min) group than the F(max) group at all cadences (respectively F(min) vs. F(max) at 50 rpm: 17+/-5% vs. 38+/-6%, FCC: 22+/-7% vs. 44+/-5% and 110 rpm: 21+/-6% vs. 45+/-6%). At FCC and 110 rpm, the burst onset of BF and RF muscles of the F(max) group started earlier in the crank cycle than the F(min) group These results indicate that in addition to the cadence, the maximal strength capacity influences the lower extremity muscular activity during cycling.

Author information

Author/s: Bieuzen, François (F); Lepers, Romuald (R); Vercruyssen, Fabrice (F); Hausswirth, Christophe (C); Brisswalter, Jeanick (J);

Affiliation: Laboratoire d'Ergonomie Sportive, EA 3162, Université du Sud Toulon-Var, Avenue de l'Université, BP 132, 83957 LA Garde Cedex, France.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology (J Electromyogr Kinesiol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Dec; vol 17 (issue 6) : pp 731-8

Dates: Created 2007/10/29; Completed 2008/01/24;

PMID: 16996277, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Anaerobic Threshold - physiology Bicycling - physiology Biomechanics Electromyography Ergometry Humans Isometric Contraction - physiology Lower Extremity - physiology

Lower Extremity - physiology Male Muscle Contraction - physiology Muscle Strength - physiology Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Oxygen Consumption - physiology Physical Endurance - physiology Quadriceps Muscle - physiology Torque

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