Intra-Segment Coordination Variability in Road Cyclists during Pedaling at Different Intensities

Rezvan Mehri,Shahram Abbasi,Kianoush Nazarpour,Mehdi Khaleghi Tazji,Ali Abbasi

doi:10.3390/app10248964

Rezvan Mehri, Shahram Abbasi + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app10248964

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Journal: Applied Sciences	Publication Date: Dec 16, 2020
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Kharazmi University, University of Edinburgh

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the lower extremity intra-segment coordination and variability of road cyclists during pedaling at different intensities. Methods: Eleven semi-professional road cyclists perform four trials at workloads of 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of their maximum power output in a randomized order. Thigh, shank, and foot range of motions (ROM) and the coordination and variability of these segments are compared across different pedaling intensities. Results: Foot ROM in the sagittal plane and shank ROM in the transverse plane are significantly different between different pedaling intensities. Moreover, specific coupling patterns and variabilities are observed across the pedaling cycle; however, they were not significantly different across different pedaling intensities in four pedaling phases. Conclusion: The results highlight the role of knee extensors and plantar flexors during the first and second half of the propulsion phase of pedaling, respectively. Thigh abduction dominancy with faster movement compared to the shank indicates a more valgus stress during the propulsive phase of pedaling, which can increase the risk of overuse injuries in the knee. Moreover, the smaller variability during the transition between the propulsive and recovery phases indicates a reduction in degrees of freedom and may increase the risk of overuse injuries.

Highlights

Road cycling is one of the world’s most popular sporting events [1]
The results of the one-way repeated measure ANOVA showed that the majority of ranges of motion (ROM) in all segments increased with increasing intensity. (Table 2) There were significant differences in foot ROM in the sagittal plane (p = 0.04), and shank ROM in the transverse plane (p = 0.002) between different pedaling intensities
We studied the intra-segment coordination of the lower extremity and its variability during relative phase (CRP) (a) and continuous relative phase variability (CRPV) (b) in different pedaling

Summary

Introduction

Road cycling is one of the world’s most popular sporting events [1]. Cycling with a steady cadence and appropriate endurance can be a suitable rehabilitation exercise for patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury [2]. For instance, focused on the relationship between workload intensity and 3D kinematics in cycling that demonstrated a small-to-moderate difference in lateral spine inclination and spine rotation between recreational and competitive cyclists [6], and an increased joint ranges of motion (ROM) with increasing intensity [7]. It is beneficial for clinicians and bike fitters to. Thigh abduction dominancy with faster movement compared to the shank indicates a more valgus stress during the propulsive phase of pedaling, which can increase the risk of overuse injuries in the knee. The smaller variability during the transition between the propulsive and recovery phases indicates a reduction in degrees of freedom and may increase the risk of overuse injuries

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Conclusion