Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors that Determine an Appropriate Pedalling Cadence for the Elite Cyclist

Case Presentation

Austin Sports Med. 2017; 2(2): 1017.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors that Determine an Appropriate Pedalling Cadence for the Elite Cyclist

Ball D¹* and FRSB²

¹Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

²Institute of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK

*Corresponding author: Ball D, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

Received: July 18, 2017; Accepted: August 11, 2017; Published: August 18, 2017

Abstract

Cycling performance is determined either by the ability to achieve a very high power output over a short period of time or the ability to sustain a more moderate power output over several hours. In both cases the factors that influence power production have been examined from the perspective of optimizing aerodynamics, in pursuit of reducing the cyclists drag, through to improving musculoskeletal power production. The current review is focused on musculoskeletal power output with reference to the effects that pedal cadence play on muscle function. Based on the evidence a wide range of pedalling cadences are adopted by elite cyclists that are a function of the type of event and typography that the cyclist encounters. In events that require sustained power production over several hours the preferred pedal cadence ranges from 80-100 rpm, the data suggest that lower cadences are adopted during hilly events and higher cadences adopted for flatter stage events. During track pursuit cycling pedal cadences of ~100 rpm are adopted and during sprint events the observed pedal cadence is between 120 and 160 rpm. From a musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory perspective the balance between velocity of movement and force generation is important during road race events because of the effects of gross and delta efficiency in relation to power output and energy turnover. In track cycling the higher cadences are more a function of the velocity-power relationship of the exercising musculature such that the pedal cadence is close to the peak power velocity relationship for muscle with a 50:50 ratio of fast and slow muscle. During all-out sprinting the highest pedal cadences are beneficial because of the higher reserves in power generating capacity that such a strategy confers.

Keywords: Power Output; Cadence; Cycling Efficiency; Muscle Energetics

Introduction

The achievements of human powered locomotion demonstrate the remarkable ability of athletes to generate sustained highpower output. Between 1964 and 2011 the average velocity for the 4 kilometer individual cycling pursuit increased from 49.32km/h to 57.49km/h. The power output required to sustain 49km/h for 4 minutes is about 400 watts, which increases to over 630 watts for speeds over 57km/h. The typical power profile during a track-based 4000m pursuit is illustrated in (Figure 1) and demonstrates an initial peak power output and subsequent maintenance at ~500W for a male cyclist and 350-400 W for a female.