Preferred Cadence Research Articles

Turning and unilateral cueing in Parkinson's disease patients with and without freezing of gait

Background: Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most disabling symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), and cueing has been reported to improve FOG during straight-line walking. Studies on how cueing affects FOG during turning are lacking. Given the asymmetrical nature of turning and the asymmetrical disease expression, we aimed to gain a new perspective on how unilateral cueing may alleviate FOG. Objective: To explore disease dominance and turning side as contributing factors to turning problems and FOG and to investigate the effect of unilateral cueing. Methods: In the first study, 13 PD patients with FOG (freezers) and 13 without FOG (nonfreezers) turned toward their disease-dominant and nondominant side (off medication). During the second study, 16 freezers and 14 nonfreezers turned with and without a unilateral auditory cue at −10% of preferred cadence. Total number of steps, turn duration, cadence, and FOG episodes were measured using VICON. Results: Cadence, but not FOG frequency, was higher when turning toward the disease-dominant side. FOG started more frequently (64.9%) on the inner side of the turning cycle. Unilateral cueing seemed to prevent FOG in most patients, irrespective of the side at which the cue was offered. A carryover effect was found for cadence during turning, but the effect on FOG disappeared when the cue was removed. Conclusions: The occurrence of FOG is not influenced by turning toward the disease-dominant or nondominant side, which is confirmed by the fact that it does not make a difference at which side unilateral cueing is applied. Cueing reduces FOG during turning, but these effects disappear dramatically after cue removal. This raises further questions as to the influence of training on cue dependency and on the feasibility of either continuous application of cues or using cognitive strategies as an alternative.

Design and simulation of an intelligent bicycle transmission system

An intelligent bicycle transmission system provides a solution that enables a bicycle rider to keep pedaling in his comfort speed range regardless of the torque or the speed requirement. The cadence or the pedaling speed has a preferred range for every rider. However, a rider can exceed or fall below his preferred range when in need of a torque or a velocity more than what the cycle offers to him. The designed transmission system presented in the paper senses the requisites of the rider, and hence, changes gears automatically so that cyclist can keep pedaling in his preferred cadence range. This paper proposes an extremely cost effective and novel solution that improves upon the existing designs of automatic gear shifting arrangement in bicycles. It incorporates special built-in sensors, electronic control unit and specially designed state-of-the-art actuator mechanism that augment the derailleur mechanism. It keeps the cost of the transmission system within an acceptable range with an uncompromised accuracy. In designing the solution, the preferred cadence range of a given user shall be employed.

Walking to the beat of different drums: Practical implications for the use of acoustic rhythms in gait rehabilitation

Acoustic rhythms are frequently used in gait rehabilitation, with positive instantaneous and prolonged transfer effects on various gait characteristics. The gait modifying ability of acoustic rhythms depends on how well gait is tied to the beat, which can be assessed with measures of relative timing of auditory-motor coordination. We examined auditory-motor coordination in 20 healthy elderly individuals walking to metronome beats with pacing frequencies slower than, equal to, and faster than their preferred cadence. We found that more steps were required to adjust gait to the beat, the more the metronome rate deviated from the preferred cadence. Furthermore, participants anticipated the beat with their footfalls to various degrees, depending on the metronome rate; the faster the tempo, the smaller the phase advance or phase lead. Finally, the variability in the relative timing between footfalls and the beat was smaller for metronome rates closer to the preferred cadence, reflecting superior auditory-motor coordination. These observations have three practical implications. First, instantaneous effects of acoustic stimuli on gait characteristics may typically be underestimated given the considerable number of steps required to attune gait to the beat in combination with the usual short walkways. Second, a systematic phase lead of footfalls to the beat does not necessarily reflect a reduced ability to couple gait to the metronome. Third, the efficacy of acoustic rhythms to modify gait depends on metronome rate. Gait is coupled best to the beat for metronome rates near the preferred cadence.

Walking with Music Is a Safe and Viable Tool for Gait Training in Parkinson's Disease: The Effect of a 13-Week Feasibility Study on Single and Dual Task Walking

This study explored the viability and efficacy of integrating cadence-matched, salient music into a walking intervention for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty-two people with PD were randomised to a control (CTRL, n = 11) or experimental (MUSIC, n = 11) group. MUSIC subjects walked with an individualised music playlist three times a week for the intervention period. Playlists were designed to meet subject's musical preferences. In addition, the tempo of the music closely matched (±10–15 bpm) the subject's preferred cadence. CTRL subjects continued with their regular activities during the intervention. The effects of training accompanied by “walking songs” were evaluated using objective measures of gait score. The MUSIC group improved gait velocity, stride time, cadence, and motor symptom severity following the intervention. This is the first study to demonstrate that music listening can be safely implemented amongst PD patients during home exercise.

Cycling with noncircular chainring system changes the three-dimensional kinematics of the lower limbs

This study investigated the three-dimensional (3-D) pedaling kinematics using a noncircular chainring system and a conventional system. Five cyclists pedaled at their preferred cadence at a workload of 300 W using two crank systems. Flexion/extension of the hip, knee and ankle as well as shank rotation, foot adduction/abduction, and pedal angle were measured. Joint range of motion (ROM) and angular displacements were compared between the systems. Sagittal plane ROM was significantly greater (P < 0.05) at the hip (noncircular system = 39 ± 3°; conventional system = 34 ± 4°) the knee (noncircular system = 69 ± 4°; conventional system = 57 ± 10°), and ankle (noncircular system = 21 ± 2°; conventional system = 19 ± 4°) resulting in greater pedal ROM (noncircular system = 43 ± 3°; conventional system = 37 ± 5°) while using the noncircular system. Shank rotation ROM was significantly lower (P < 0.05) while using the noncircular chainring (noncircular system = 10 ± 1°; conventional system = 14 ± 1°). These results support a significant effect of the noncircular chainring system on pedaling kinematics during submaximal exercise.

An evaluation of self-administration of auditory cueing to improve gait in people with Parkinson’s disease

Objective: To evaluate a self-administration of auditory cueing on gait difficulties in people with Parkinson’s disease over a one-week period. Design: Single group pre and post test. Setting: Research lab, community. Participants: Twenty-one individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Interventions: Self-application of an auditory pacer set at a rate 25% faster than preferred cadence. Main outcome measures: Self-selected gait speed, cadence, stride length, and double support time with and without the pacer at the initial visit and after one week of pacer use. Results: During the initial visit, the auditory pacer improved gait speed (79.57 (18.13) cm/s vs. 94.02 (22.61) cm/s, P<0.0005), cadence (102.88 (11.34) step/min vs. 109.22 (10.23) steps/min, P=0.036) and stride length (94.33 (21.31) cm vs. 103.5 (22.65) cm, P =0.012). After one week, preferred gait speed was faster than the initial preferred speed (79.57 (18.13) vs. 95.20 (22.23) cm/s, P<0.0005). Stride length was significantly increased (94.33 (21.31) vs. 107.67 (20.01) cm, P =0.001). Double support time was decreased from 21.73 (5.23) to 18.94 (3.59)% gait cycle, P =0.016. Conclusion: Gait performance in people with Parkinson’s disease improved significantly after walking with the auditory pacer for one week.

Low-Intensity Cycling Affects the Muscle Activation Pattern of Consequent Countermovement Jumps

Players (eg, basketball, soccer, and football) often use a static bicycle during a game to maintain warming. However, the effectiveness of this procedure has not been addressed in the literature. Thus, it remains unknown whether low-intensity cycling movement can affect explosive movement performance. In this study, 10 male subjects performed countermovement jumps before and after a 15-minutes cycling bout at 35% of their maximal power output. Three sessions were tested for 3 different cadences of cycling: freely chosen cadence, 20% lower than freely chosen cadence (FCC-20%), and 20% higher than freely chosen cadence (FCC+20%). Jump height, kinematics, and electromyogram were recorded simultaneously during the countermovement jumps. The results showed a significant decreasing in the height of countermovement jump after cycling at freely chosen cadence and FCC-20% (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively), but not for FCC+20% cadences. The electromyographic parameters suggest that changes in the countermovement jump after cycling can be attributed to alteration of the pattern of activation and may be modulated by the preceding cycling cadence. Our study indicates that to avoid a possible negative effect of the cycling in the subsequent explosive movements, a cadence 20% higher than the preferred cadence must be used.

Determinants of “optimal” cadence during cycling

Cadence is one of the only variables cyclists can adjust to manage their performance and fatigue during an event. Not surprisingly, cadence has received a great deal of attention from the scientific community in an effort to identify the cadence that optimizes power output while minimizing the fatigue that is incurred. The literature appears to present conflicting results with little consensus as regards the optimal pedalling cadence. This is in large part due to the inconsistent definition of the term “optimal” cadence, which has been used to describe energetic cost, muscular stress, and perception of effort. The issue is further confounded by the workload-dependent nature of the “optimal” cadence – that is, at higher power outputs, the optimized cadence is different from that at lower power outputs. Although the optimal cadence is different for energetic, muscular, and perceptual definitions, the curves that describe the effect of changes in cadence on these variables consistently exhibit a J-shaped response. This suggests that there is an underlying principle that is common to each of the definitions. Indeed, it would appear that the response of both the cardio-respiratory system (energetic cost) and the muscular system (muscular stress) is determined by the types of muscle motor units that are recruited during the exercise. Furthermore, although part of the response may be due to the inherent differences in the characteristics between the different motor units, the absolute contraction velocity relative to fibre type optimum may be of greater significance. Even when the power output is increased, the shape of the response curves to changes in cadence remains constant, although the nadir of the curve does shift to the right for increasing power outputs. We propose that the point at which the energetic vs. power and the muscular stress vs. power curves intercept is defined by the cadence at which the perceived effort is minimized (i.e. the preferred cadence). However, cadence fluctuations occur under field conditions that are unrelated to physiological factors and, therefore, the ability to identify an “optimal” cadence is limited to the laboratory environment and specific field conditions.

The Effect of Cycling Cadence on the Cycle-Run Transition in Triathletes

The Effect of Cycling Cadence on the Cycle - Run Transition in Triathletes PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of deviating from triathletes' preferred cycling cadence (PC) on triathlon cycle-run transition and 10 km run performance. METHODS: Trained triathletes (N = 12) underwent three Olympic-distance cycle-run trials at race pace. The first (baseline) trial established PC, average power output (PO) and 10 km run time. In the second and third trials, administered in a counter-balanced fashion, cadence was increased (HC) or decreased (LC) cadence by 20% from PC during the last 13 km of the 40 km cycling bout; PO was constant across all bouts. Six physiological variables (heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and lactate) were measured at four time points during all trials: 27 - 28 km cycle (Time 1), 38 - 40 km cycle (Time 2), 1 - 8 min run (Time 3) and 8 - 10 km run (Time 4). Run time and physiological variables at Times 1 and 4 over the three trials were each analyzed by one-way ANOVA, whereas physiological variables at Times 2 and 3 (cycle-run transition) were analyzed by 3 x 2 (trial x time) ANOVA with repeated measures on both factors. RESULTS: The cycle-run transition, but not run time, was influenced by cadence manipulation. When comparing HC to LC, HC resulted in a smaller change in energy requirements when transitioning from cycling to running. The LC strategy was more energetically efficient than HC during cycling, but resulted in a greater change in energy requirements during the cycle-run transition. Overall, the HC strategy was more physiologically demanding than the LC trial. CONCLUSION: Triathletes may minimize energy usage during cycling by utilizing a lower than preferred cadence prior to running. In contrast, they may minimize the difference in energy usage between the cycling and running bouts, thus minimizing the cycle-run transition, by utilizing a higher than preferred cadence strategy prior to running.

Do differences in muscle recruitment between novice and elite cyclists reflect different movement patterns or less skilled muscle recruitment?

It has been shown that novice and elite cyclists use different patterns of leg muscle recruitment when cycling. These differences may reflect less skilled muscle recruitment by novice cyclists or different, but not necessarily less skilled, movement patterns. We compared kinematics of the pelvis and lower limbs and leg muscle activity during cycling between novice and elite cyclists, to determine if differences in leg muscle activity are associated with differences in movement patterns. Three-dimensional pelvic and lower limb kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity of leg muscles were measured during cycling at 55-60, 75-80, 90-95rpm and preferred cadence. Differences were found between novice and elite cyclists in the recruitment of leg muscles, which were consistent with previous findings. Joint-angle and velocity were not different between groups. Absolute range of sagittal plane motion of the ankle was less in novice cyclists than in elite cyclists. Cadence did not influence kinematics. Coordination of sagittal plane motion of the hip and ankle, and knee and ankle, was stronger in elite cyclists. Furthermore, coordination of these movements was more consistent between pedal strokes in elite cyclists. Individual variance of kinematics was not different between groups. We conclude that differences in leg muscle recruitment between novice and elite cyclists may be explained in part by small kinematic variations at the ankle, i.e. less absolute range of motion, but contend that differences in muscle recruitment are primarily a reflection of more skilled muscle recruitment by elite cyclists.

Effects of extended effortful activity on spatio-temporal parameters of gait in individuals with stroke

Neuromuscular dyscontrol during gait following stroke may be further compromised by increased susceptibility to fatigue. Our purpose was to examine how extended effortful activity affected spatio-temporal gait parameters after stroke. The influence of sub-maximal exercise was assessed among 26 stroke survivors who performed the Six-Minute Walk Test with distance recorded every 2 min. Walking distance decreased 5.8 (S.D. 6.9) m in the second 2-min interval and another 2.3 (S.D. 9.9) m in the final 2 min ( p = 0.0005). Secondly, we evaluated spatio-temporal gait parameters prior to and immediately following a standardized maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer in 36 stroke survivors. In contrast to the expected reduction in walking speed, maximal exercise led to a 5.5 (S.D. 11.5) cm/s increase in preferred gait speed ( p = 0.007) and a 4.5 (S.D. 7.7) steps/min increase in cadence ( p = 0.0004), but did not affect gait symmetry. Subsequent division of participants by preferred pedaling cadence revealed that individuals with lower preferred cadence had the greatest increase in preferred speed, cadence and paretic leg step length ( p < 0.01). These unexpected results suggest that potential fatigue-induced effects on gait may have been masked by immediate positive influences of movement rate on walking speed. Such activity-specific effects may have clinical applications for stroke patients and other populations with gait deviations.

The Effect Of Cadence On Muscle Recruitment In Triathletes

PURPOSE We have previously reported that cycling muscle recruitment is less skilled in triathletes than cyclists with similar cycling training loads. This study investigated the relationship between muscle recruitment and cadence in triathletes, which may provide further evidence of less skilled movement control. METHODS: Participants were eight elite triathletes. Comparisons were made with data from our earlier study of nine elite and ten novice cyclists. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were made using indwelling electrodes from tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), peroneus longus (PL), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL). Cycling at individual preferred cadence (PC), 55–60, 75–80 and 90–95 rpm were investigated in random order. Cycling trials were conducted on each participant's bike secured on a magnetic trainer. Cycling intensity was controlled using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). RESULTS The increase in cadence from 57.5 to 92.5 rpm was associated with a decrease in modulation of muscle activity (i.e. longer bursts of activity and a higher level of activity between main bursts) in triathletes for TA, SOL (p 0.56). Coactivation increased with cadence in triathletes in proportion to increased duration of primary muscle activity, as it did in novice cyclists. Peak EMG amplitude increased with cadence in triathletes and was not minimized at PC (p = 0.21), which is consistent with our findings in novice and elite cyclists. Times of peak EMG activity and variability of muscle recruitment were not influenced by cadence in any group (p > 0.32). CONCLUSION PC is not related to peak EMG amplitude in triathletes, which is consistent with our findings in novice and elite cyclists. Less modulation of muscle activity and greater muscle coactivation with increased in cadence in triathletes is considered as further evidence of less skilled control of the movement relative to cyclists with similar cycling training loads.

Relationship between Strength Level and Pedal Rate

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between strength capacity and preferred and optimal cadence in well trained cyclists. Eighteen cyclists participated in this study. Each subject completed three sessions. The initial session was to evaluate the maximal isokinetic voluntary contraction level of lower limb. The second session was an incremental test to exhaustion. During the third session subjects performed a constant cycling exercise (20 min) conducted at five randomly cadences (50, 70, 90, 110 rpm) and at the preferred cadence (FCC) at the power reached at ventilatory threshold. Cardiorespiratory and EMG values were recorded. A metabolic optimum (EOC) was observed at 63.5 +/- 7.8 rpm different from preferred cadence (FCC, 90.6 +/- 9.1 rpm). No difference was found between FCC and the neuromuscular optimal cadence (NOC, 93.5 +/- 4). Significant relationships were found between EOC, NOC and strength capacities (r = - 0.75 and - 0. 63), whereas FCC was only related with VO2max (r = 0.59). The main finding of this study was that during submaximal cycling energetically optimal cadence or neuromuscular optimum in trained cyclists was significantly related with strength capacity and whereas preferred cadence seems to be related with endurance training status of cyclists.

Plantar Pressure Distribution in Patients with Müller-Weiss Disease

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare pathological entity of unclear etiology that occurs in middle aged individuals and is characterized by midfoot pain and typical radiographic findings of navicular compression between the talar head and lateral cuneiform. Pes planovarus is a hallmark of advanced disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plantar pressure distribution in patients with this diagnosis. Eight symptomatic feet in six patients with MWD, between the ages of 40 and 60 years, were compared to 18 feet of nine normal individuals. Midfoot scores were recorded according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale. Radiographic staging of navicular fragmentation and talar head displacement was done according to the Meary-Tomeno lines. Plantar pressure was measured during walking on a level floor at a natural preferred cadence. All subjects used the same shoe model, and plantar pressure data were collected over four cycles. For each step, the mean pressure and mean normalized pressure impulse were calculated for each of 10 foot zones. The mean of the four steps was computed for comparison between groups. Statistical analysis was performed using a t-test, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. All patients with MWD had advanced radiographic characteristics, and their midfoot scores did not exceed 47 points. Plantar pressure measurements demonstrated significantly higher values (p < 0.05) in the midfoot segments of patients with MWD than the control group, while significantly lower values (p < 0.01) were recorded in the toe segments. Müller-Weiss disease is characterized by increased plantar pressures at the midfoot, combined with reduction in toe pressures. This abnormal pressure distribution may be at least partially responsible for patients' pain and discomfort. Considering these foot characteristics in treatment plans may help choose appropriate nonoperative treatment (i.e. insoles, arch support, hard platform shoes), as well as operative alternatives (appropriate fusion procedures).

Patterns of leg muscle recruitment vary between novice and highly trained cyclists

This study compared patterns of leg muscle recruitment and coactivation, and the relationship between muscle recruitment, coactivation and cadence, in novice and highly trained cyclists. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), peroneus longus (PL), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL) was recorded using intramuscular fine-wire electrodes. Four experimental conditions of varying cadence were investigated. Differences were evident between novice and highly trained cyclists in the recruitment of all muscles. Novice cyclists were characterized by greater individual variance, greater population variance, more extensive and more variable muscle coactivation, and greater EMG amplitude in periods between primary EMG bursts. Peak EMG amplitude increased linearly with cadence and was not different at individual preferred cadence in either novice or highly trained cyclists. However, EMG amplitude in periods between primary EMG bursts, as well as the duration of primary EMG bursts, increased with increasing cadence in novice cyclists but were not influenced by cadence in highly trained cyclists. Our findings suggest that muscle recruitment is highly skilled in highly trained cyclists and less refined in novice cyclists. More skilled muscle recruitment in highly trained cyclists is likely a result of neuromuscular adaptations due to repeated performance of the cycling movement in training and competition.

Effect of cycling position on oxygen uptake and preferred cadence in trained cyclists during hill climbing at various power outputs

Numerous researchers have studied the physiological responses to seated and standing cycling, but actual field data are sparse. One open issue is the preferred cadence of trained cyclists while hill climbing. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the affect of cycling position on economy and preferred cadence in trained cyclists while they climbed a moderate grade hill at various power outputs. Eight trained cyclists (25.8 +/- 7.2 years, [Formula: see text] 68.8 +/- 5.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1), peak power 407.6 +/- 69.0 W) completed a seated and standing hill climb at approximately 50, 65 and 75% of peak power output (PPO) in the order shown, although cycling position was randomized, i.e., half the cyclists stood or remained seat on their first trial at each power output. Cyclists also performed a maximal trial unrestricted by position. Heart rate, power output, and cadence were measured continuously with a power tap; ventilation [Formula: see text], BF and cadence were significantly higher with seated climbing at all intensities; there were no other physiological differences between the climbing positions. These data support the premise that trained cyclists are equally economical using high or low cadences, but may face a limit to benefits gained with increasing cadence.

Voluntary changes in leg cadence modulate arm cadence during simultaneous arm and leg cycling

Although there is some evidence showing that neural coupling plays an important role in regulating coordination between the upper and lower limbs during walking, it is unclear how tightly the upper and lower limbs are linked during rhythmic movements in humans. The present study was conducted to investigate how coupling of both limbs is coordinated during independent rhythmic movement of the upper and lower limbs. Ten subjects performed simultaneous arm and leg cycling (AL cycling) at their preferred cadences without feedback for 10 s, and then were asked to voluntarily change the cadence (increase, decrease, or stop) of arm or leg cycling. Leg cycling cadence was not affected by voluntary changes in arm cadence. By contrast, arm cycling cadence was significantly altered when leg cycling cadence was changed. These results suggest the existence of a predominant lumbocervical influence of leg cycling on arm cycling during AL cycling.

Assessment of the Effects of Saddle Position on Cyclistsʼ Pedaling Technique

Several studies have investigated changes in pedaling technique when the cyclist to bicycle interface is altered. However, none have investigated the effects of changes in fore and aft saddle position. PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of altering body position with the following variables: (1) economy of movement (EC); (2) pedal forces; (3) index of effectiveness (IE); (4) alteration in the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle joint angles; and (5) electrical activation of the muscles selected. METHODS: Three (n = 3) elite cyclists participated in this study. The protocol consisted of the evaluation of four different saddle position (fore, aft, up, and down) compared to the reference position while cycling at the cyclists preferred cadence. All measurements were obtained at the same VO2 for each subject. The subjects' bicycles were assembled in a magnetic cycle simulator, and the dynamometric pedal was fixed on the bicycles to acquire the normal and tangential components of the force applied on the pedal. Electrical activation of six lower limb muscles were recorded: gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior. The resultant and effective forces were calculated from normal and tangential forces to obtain the IE. Analysis was calculated from 10 pedal cycles. The EC was calculated from VO2 and from the power output. RESULTS: Saddle position altered the direction and magnitude of the forces and consequently the IE. Subjects demonstrated a better IE and a better EC in the reference position. Kinematic data showed little variation in the joint angles due to changes in the saddle position. Electrical activation changed both in the activation period and in the magnitude of the root mean square in all the saddle positions evaluated. CONCLUSION: EC and IE are optimal in the reference saddle position which may indicate an adaptation of skeletal muscle to years of training in this position.

Do Pelvic and Lower Limb Kinematics Differ between Novice Cyclists, Elite Cyclists and Elite Triathletes?

Elite triathletes have been shown to use patterns of leg muscle recruitment that are less skilled than those used by elite cyclists and more similar to those used by novice cyclists. These differences in leg muscle recruitment between groups may relate to kinematic variations, i.e. differences in cycling movement patterns. PURPOSE: to compare kinematics of the pelvis and lower limb during cycling between novice cyclists, elite cyclists and elite triathletes. METHODS: Four experimental conditions of cycling at individual preferred cadence, 55–60, 75–80 and 90–95 rpm were investigated. Three dimensional kinematics of the pelvis and lower limbs and orientation of the bicycle crank arms were measured. RESULTS: Time series data of kinematics was not different between groups. The absolute range of sagittal plane motion of the ankle was less in novice cyclists than elite cyclists but was not different between elite triathletes and novice or elite cyclists. Cadence did not influence kinematics. Coordination of sagittal plane motion of the hip and ankle, and knee and ankle, was stronger in elite cyclists and elite triathletes than in novice cyclists. Furthermore, coordination of these movements was more consistent between pedal strokes in elite cyclists and elite triathletes than in novice cyclists. Individual variance (variability between pedal strokes for individual athletes) was not different between groups. Population variance (variability between athletes) was greater in novice cyclists for only flexion-extension of the hip and was not different between elite cyclists and elite triathletes. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in leg muscle recruitment between novice cyclists and elite cyclists may be explained in part by kinematic variations at the ankle. Most significantly, differences in kinematics are unlikely to explain differences in leg muscle recruitment between elite cyclists and elite triathletes.

Relation between preferred and optimal cadences during two hours of cycling in triathletes

Objectives: To determine whether the integrated electromyographic signal of two lower limb muscles indicates preferred cadence during a two hour cycling task. Methods: Eight male triathletes performed right isometric maximum...