McDaniel, J., Gidley, L. D., Tomas, A., Hunter, E. L., Grisham, J. D., McNeil, J. M., Carroll, C., Thompson, F. T., Davidson, C. J., & Horscroft, R. D. (2005). Joint power distribution at 60, 90, and 120 rpm during seated maximal cycling. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 626.

This study compared the relative contribution of power produced at the ankle, knee, and hip, and transferred across the hip, to maximal cycling power at pedaling rates of 60, 90, and 120 rpm. Trained cyclists (N = 7) served as Ss. Pedal forces and joint powers at the ankle, knee, and hip and across the hips were measured and videoed with a 2-camera capture system.

For each pedaling rate, the knee generated the greatest proportion of power (~49-51%), followed by the hip (~24-31%) with the ankle and across the hips being similar in proportion. The relative contribution of power produced at the knee and transferred across the hip did not differ among the pedaling rates. Ankle and hip joint power at 60 rpm differed to their contributions at 120 rpm.

Implication. The relative contributions of joint power to maximal cycling power were altered with pedaling rate. The hip joint was relatively greater at faster cadences while the ankle was greater at slow cadences. The function of joints is specific to the cadence rates in cycling.

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