Abstract
IntroductionIn cycling, the utilization of the drops position (i.e. the lowest handlebar position relative to the ground) allows for reduced frontal area, likely improved aerodynamics and thus performance compared to the tops (i.e. the position producing the most upright trunk). The reduced trunk angle during seated submaximal cycling has been shown to influence cardiorespiratory factors but the effects on pedalling forces and joint specific power are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of changing handgrip position on joint specific power and cycling kinematics at different external work rates in recreational and professional cyclists.MethodNine professional and nine recreational cyclists performed cycling bouts using three different handgrip positions and three external work rates (i.e. 100W, 200W and external work rate corresponding to the lactate threshold (WRlt)). Joint specific power was calculated from kinematic measurements and pedal forces using 2D inverse dynamics.ResultsWe found increased hip joint power, decreased knee joint power and increased peak crank torque for the professional cyclist compared to the recreational cyclists, but only at WRlt where the professional cyclists were working at a higher external work rate. There was no main effect of changing handgrip position on any joint, but there was a small interaction effect of external work rate and handgrip position on hip joint power contribution (Generalized eta squared (ηg2) = 0.012). At 100W, changing handgrip position from the tops to the drops decreased the hip joint contribution (-2.0 ± 3.9 percentage points (pct)) and at the WRlt, changing handgrip position increased the hip joint power (1.6 ± 3.1 pct). There was a small effect of handgrip position with the drops leading to increased peak crank torque (ηg2 = 0.02), increased mean dorsiflexion (ηg2 = 0.05) and increased hip flexion (ηg2 = 0.31) compared to the tops.DiscussionThe present study demonstrates that there is no main effect of changing handgrip position on joint power. Although there seems to be a small effect on hip joint power when comparing across large ranges in external work rate, any potential negative performance effect would be outweighed by the aerodynamic benefit of the drops position.
Highlights
In cycling, the utilization of the drops position allows for reduced frontal area, likely improved aerodynamics and performance compared to the tops
We found increased hip joint power, decreased knee joint power and increased peak crank torque for the professional cyclist compared to the recreational cyclists, but only at WRlt where the professional cyclists were working at a higher external work rate
There seems to be a small effect on hip joint power when comparing across large ranges in external work rate, any potential negative performance effect would be outweighed by the aerodynamic benefit of the drops position
Summary
The utilization of the drops position (i.e. the lowest handlebar position relative to the ground) allows for reduced frontal area, likely improved aerodynamics and performance compared to the tops (i.e. the position producing the most upright trunk). Using the drops compared to the tops (i.e. the handgrip position furthest from the ground and towards the back of the bike) and hoods (i.e. same height as tops, but further towards the front of the bike) will reduce the inclination of the trunk which in turn will reduce the frontal area of the cyclists [1] and the air resistance [2]. Fintelman et al [8] demonstrated that utilizing a horizontal trunk position influenced pedal forces and led to increased and delayed peak crank torque during the pedalling cycle compared to a 16 degree inclined trunk in trained time trial cyclists. Chapman et al [7] showed an effect of changing from the hoods to the drops position on the muscle activity of novice cyclists but not trained cyclists. The literature indicates that there is an effect of upper body position on variables related to technique and coordination and that there seems to be differences between cyclists of different levels
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