Abstract
Leg movement during cycling is constrained to the pedal/crank path and predominantly occurs in a sagittal plane. Medial-lateral force (FML) applied to the pedals is considered as a waste and does not contribute to the pedaling. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in FML across different cadences and workloads, and to examine the correlation with lateral knee movement (Q-angle). Twenty-two cyclists completed six trials at three workloads (2, 2.5 and 3 W/kg) and three cadences (75, 85, 95 rpm). Forces were recorded from the force pedal mounted to the left side. Absolute and normalized (to the peak total force) FML were compared across conditions and cross-correlation with Q-angle was calculated. Absolute FML was significantly different across cadences and workloads (p < 0.05) with higher absolute FML at higher cadence. There was no significant difference in normalized FML across the three cadences. There was a significant decrease in normalized FML (~10 N) at higher workloads. Statistically significant correlations were found between the FML and Q-angle (R = 0.70–0.77). The results demonstrate the link between the FML and Q-angle in healthy pain-free cyclists during stationary cycling. It has also been observed that smaller normalized magnitude of the FML is present when the force effectiveness is increased.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to examine (1) how FML changes at different cadences and workloads and (2) if frontal plane kinematics of the lower limb will correlate with the temporal characteristics of the FML
FML would differ at different workloads and with the knee frontal plane kinematics and would differ at different workcadences
Patellar tendinitis if the lower leg risk is inof ananterior abducted position and patellar tendinitis could be increased if the lower leg is in an abducted position when when a knee extensor moment is generated [5]
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Lower extremity movement during seated cycling is a cyclic motion that predominantly occurs in the sagittal plane. It is constrained to the pedal/crank path around the bottom bracket. In seated conditions, these limit cyclists to optimize the pedaling technique by applying the force in two directions, vertically and in an anterior-posterior direction
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