OXYGEN CONSUMPTION: EFFECT OF LATERAL PEDAL WIDTH VARIATIONS RELATIVE TO Q-ANGLE IN AVID CYCLISTS

Abstract

Twenty cyclists completed four trials at 50% of maximal effort. Trials were performed at four different lateral widths (0, 20mm, 25mm, and 30mm) by adding a Kneesaver™ pedal spacer between the crank arm and pedal. Each trial lasted five minutes, during which analysis of expired air took place, as well as video analysis for digitizing purposes. The aim of the study was to determine if changing this lateral pedal width affected oxygen consumption and if lateral pedal width changed Q-angle in the cyclists. Statistically width did not affect Q-angle or oxygen consumption, however a significant, but small correlation was found between Q-angle and oxygen consumption.