Otto, R. M., Walsh, L., Marra, J., Kushner, C., Diaz, A., Richardson, C., & Wygand, J. W. (2008). The impact of 10 weeks of independent cycle crank use on cycle performance. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis, Presentation Number 1294.

This investigation evaluated the effect of 10 weeks of using independent cycle cranks on cycling performance as measured by oxygen-use efficiency, time-trial performance, and body composition. Triathletes (M = 16; F = 14) participated in familiarization trials (including an electronic cycle ergometer based steady state oxygen efficiency trial and a time trial). Identical testing also was performed during a pre-test (within one week) and a post-test (10 weeks later) around the experimental procedure. After the pre-test trial, Ss were assigned to one of three groups. For 10 weeks Ss exercised (swim, cycle, run) a minimum of eight hours per week. All groups cycled a minimum of three hours/week with a control group using fixed cranks for 180 minutes per week, a second group using fixed cranks for 90 minutes and independent cranks for 90 minutes, and a third group using independent cranks for 180 minutes per week

There were no significant differences within or between groups on oxygen use efficiency or time-trial performances.

Implication. The use of independent cycle crank arms for a maximum of 30 hours over 10 weeks did not change cycling time-trial performance or the efficiency of oxygen usage when cycling. Any effects from this form of training are independent of the factors of interest.

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