EFFECTS OF INDEPENDENT CRANK ARMS AND SLOPE ON PEDALING MECHANICS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of independent crank arms and slope on pedaling kinetics during an anaerobic maximal-effort cycling bout. After undergoing 6 weeks of training with independent crank arms, each of 6 male cyclists completed four 30 s Wingate tests under different cycling conditions of: fixed crank arms on level surface; fixed crank arms on a slope; independent crank arms on level, and; independent crank arms on a slope. Two-dimensional pedal forces recorded using instrumented pedals were used to derive pedaling effectiveness, work distribution and power output. The effects of the crank arms and the slope were minimal, but highly effective and consistent pedaling force (90% effectiveness, 70% work and effective force of 155±6 N) was observed between 45-135° of the crank cycle in all experimental conditions.