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The influence of lateral foot displacement on cycling efficiency and maximal cycling power

Harper, Sara Anne

Abstract Details

2014, MS, Kent State University, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Health Sciences.
HARPER, SARA A., M.S., May 2014 Exercise Physiology THE INFLUENCE OF LATERAL PEDAL DISPLACEMENT ON CYCLING EFFICIENCY AND MAXIMAL CYCLING POWER (27 pp.) Director of Thesis: John McDaniel, Ph.D. Co- Members of Thesis: Angela Ridgel, Ph.D. Derek Kingsley, Ph.D. The purpose of this study was to examine an experimental pedal-shoe interface. This allows the foot to undergo lateral displacement along the pedal axis. The lateral movement which mimics in-line skating was believe to increase cycling efficiency and maximum power production. The objective of this investigation was to determine if pedals that allow for lateral displacement of the foot during the down stroke increase maximum power output and cycling efficiency compared to a standard pedal. The participants in this study performed cycling protocols using control pedals (C) and two experimental pedals (PS, PL) that allowed the foot to traverse laterally either 15mm (PS) or 32mm (PL). Visit one consisted of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2) and ventilatory threshold (VT) test followed by a familiarization trial with experimental pedals. Visit two consisted of a submaximal pedaling at 90 RPM for 5 minutes at 30%, 60%, & 90% VT in all pedal conditions. Visit three involved five second maximal power sprints at 10% body weight resistance with all three pedal conditions. During the submaximal protocols heart rate (HR), (VO2) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were not significantly different between pedal conditions. Furthermore, cycling efficiency was not different at VT intensities in all pedal conditions. Maximal sprint power was also not different between the three conditions nor was the pedaling rate at which max power was achieved. These results suggest that there are no significant differences in cycling efficiency or power output when using pedals that allow for lateral displacement.
John McDaniel (Committee Chair)
Angela Rdigel (Committee Co-Chair)
Derek Kingsley (Committee Co-Chair)
27 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Harper, S. A. (2014). The influence of lateral foot displacement on cycling efficiency and maximal cycling power [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1394551229

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Harper, Sara. The influence of lateral foot displacement on cycling efficiency and maximal cycling power . 2014. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1394551229.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Harper, Sara. "The influence of lateral foot displacement on cycling efficiency and maximal cycling power ." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1394551229

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)