EFFECT OF CLIPLESS PEDAL USE DURING CYCLE ERGOMETRY ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN WELL-TRAINED SUBJECTS

Abstract

1254 Clipless pedals attach a cyclist's shoe cleat to their bicycle pedal and are believed to enable a more efficient use of the leg musculature when compared to the use of bicycle toe clips. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological effects of using clipless pedals (CP) versus toe clips (TC) during cycle ergometry in highly-trained male and female cyclists/triathletes (VO2 max 61.25 ± 10.22 ml/kg/min, mean ±SD). Seven subjects (three female, four male) performed two random ordered max cycle ergometer tests on different days. The protocol consisted of four steady state workloads (100, 150, 175, and 225W) followed by a continuous ramping protocol of 25W/min to volitional fatigue. Heart rate (HR), VO2, watts and blood lactate were compared at steady state workloads and at max exercise. HR, VO2, and watts were compared during the ramp portion of the protocol and at anaerobic threshold. Paired T-tests revealed no significant differences (p<0.05) between CP and TC. Although there is no apparent advantage when cycling with CP as opposed to TC during laboratory cycle ergometry, future studies should take place in the field so that variables simulating race conditions, such as wind, terrain, gear ratio, intensity, and duration can be evaluated. Supported by Accusport portable lactate analyzer