ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study examines the effects of pedaling cadence and the rider's position on power output and pedaling asymmetry during indoor cycling. METHODS: Participants were 25 male indoor cycling instructors (32.4±4.8 years; 75.7±4.9 kg; 174±4.2 cm) with at least 3 years of cycling experience. In a single session, participants completed 9 training intervals consisting of different combinations of position (standing, sitting), pedaling cadence (75, 100, 120 rpm) and training intensity (75, 80, 85% maximum heart rate, HRmax). RESULTS: During standing intervals, power output was lower (132.4±72.6 W vs. 197.5±53.5 W; P<0.05) and the bilateral leg asymmetry index was greater (52.2±76.6% vs. 12.4±9%; P<0.05) than when subjects pedaled while sitting for a similar work intensity. In contrast, higher power outputs (238.1±46.3 W vs. 153±52.7 W; P<0.05) and lower asymmetry indices (30.4±39.2% vs. 12.6±11%; P<0.05) were recorded in intervals performed at 75 rpm versus 120 rpm despite similar exercise intensities. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that at similar training intensities, pedaling while standing during indoor cycling generates fewer watts and greater asymmetry than pedaling while sitting. We also observed that a slower pedaling cadence (75 rpm) gives rise to greater generated power and a lower asymmetry index than a faster pedaling cadence (120 rpm).
