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Neuromuscular Research Laboratory
Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Cycling Research

 

Effects of a Core Strengthening Program on Cycling Mechanics and Pedaling Efficiency

Effects of a Cycling Training Program on Pedaling Efficiency

Overview

The cycling research project was implemented to integrate scientific data with practical application for the competitive and recreational cyclist. This research agenda will focus on identifying physiological and biomechanical deficits in cyclists while developing methods to improve upon these deficits. Implementation of training programs will be designed based on scientific data to help the cyclist enhance performance. Laboratory testing will be developed to better simulate actual riding by testing subjects while riding on treadmills and under various degrees of fatigue.

Effects of a Core Strengthening Program on Cycling Mechanics and Pedaling Efficiency

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of an 8 week core strengthening training program designed to improve cycling mechanics and pedaling efficiency in competitive cyclists. Thirty competitive cyclists will be randomized to either an intervention (core training) or control group and undergo 8 weeks of training. Testing will consist of riding on a treadmill at a speed of 16 mph with the incline increasing 1% every three minutes until exhaustion as indicated by the subject. Outcome measures will include joint kinematics and pedaling efficiency and will be recorded during the last thirty seconds of each three minute phase as well as strength testing of the torso. The cycling mechanics and pedaling efficiency tests and strength tests will take place at time 0-weeks and 8-weeks. Our overall hypothesis is that competitive cyclists who perform the core training protocol will improve their cycling mechanics, be more resistant to core fatigue, and improve pedaling efficiency as compared to the control group.

Effects of a Cycling Training Program on Pedaling Efficiency

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of an 8-week roller training program designed to improve pedaling efficiency in competitive cyclists. Thirty competitive cyclists will be randomized to either an intervention (roller training) or control group and undergo 8 weeks of training. Testing will consist of riding on a treadmill at a speed of 16 mph with the incline increasing 1% every three minutes until exhaustion as indicated by the subject. Outcome measures will include joint kinematics and pedaling efficiency and will be recorded during the last thirty seconds of each three minute phase throughout the test. The pedaling efficiency tests will take place at time 0-weeks and 8-weeks. Our overall hypothesis is that competitive cyclists who perform training on the rollers will improve their pedaling efficiency as compared to the control group.

Injury Prevention in Recreational Cyclists

The primary purpose of this study is to compare the physical characteristics of healthy recreational cyclists to those of cyclists who experience knee or back pain. Flexibility of the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and low back and pedaling characteristics will be compared between the three groups. The secondary purpose is compare the bike fitting characteristics of healthy recreational cyclists and injured cyclists to the recommended guidelines. Fitting characteristics will include positioning of saddle height, fore/aft saddle position, pedal crank length, handlebar height, handlebar width, and frame size.

 

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