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Whole-body efficiency is negatively correlated with minimum torque per duty cycle in trained cyclists
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 02:54 authored by Edwards, LM, Jobson, SA, George, S, Day, SH, Nevill, AMThe purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a causal relationship between pedalling "circularity" and cycling efficiency. Eleven trained cyclists were studied during submaximal cycling. Variables recorded included gross and delta efficiency and the ratio of minimum to peak torque during a duty cycle. Participants also completed a questionnaire about their training history. The most notable results were as follows: gross efficiency (r = -0.72, P < 0.05 at 250 W) was inversely correlated with the ratio of minimum to peak torque, particularly at higher work rates. There was a highly significant inverse correlation between delta efficiency and average minimum torque at 200 W (r = -0.76, P < 0.01). Cycling experience was positively correlated with delta efficiency and gross efficiency, although experience and the ratio of minimum to peak torque were not related. These results show that variations in pedalling technique may account for a large proportion of the variation in efficiency in trained cyclists. However, it is also possible that some underlying physiological factor influences both. Finally, it appears that experience positively influences efficiency, although the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear.
History
Publication title
Journal of Sports SciencesVolume
27Issue
4Pagination
319-325ISSN
0264-0414Department/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Taylor & Francis LtdPlace of publication
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, England, Oxon, Ox14 4RnRepository Status
- Restricted