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

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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.