EFFECT OF CHANGES IN CRANK ARM LENGTH AND LOAD ON POWER PRODUCTION IN RECUMBENT CYCLING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the trend in peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and minimum power (MINP) with changes in load when cycling in a recumbent position. Fifteen female participants were randomly assigned to one of three crank arm length (CAL) conditions (110, 180, or 250 mm) and tested on a Monark Cycle ergometer with 5 loads varying from 75-165 gm/kg of body mass. The Wingate Anaerobic Cycling test was performed in a recumbent position (75 seat tube angle, backrest perpendicular to the ground). Curve estimation with regression analysis on incrementing loads revealed: (1) a quadratic trend in PP; (2) a quadratic trend in MP and MINP for the 110 and 180 mm CAL; and (3) a linear trend in MP and MINP for the 250 mm CAL. These trends suggest there is an optimal load for different CALs to maximize power production.