PREFERRED CYCLING CADENCE CHARACTERISATION FROM MUSCLE PARAMETERS COMPARED WITH MOVEMENT ECONOMY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterise the preferred cycling cadence (PC) using biomechanical and physiological parameters. Seven male cyclists have cycled at 60, 75, 90, 105 rpm, and PC. The movement economy (physiological parameter) and angular impulse (biomechanical parameter) values at each pedalling rate were analysed. Results showed that the pedalling rate minimising angular impulse and PC were similar (p<0.05), although there were differences between the most economical pedalling rate and PC. Thus, it may be inferred that the choice of the preferred pedalling rate is associated with muscular effort rather than with oxygen consumption.