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The Influence of Body Composition on Cadence Efficiency in Competitive Cyclists

Devlin, Tate Bross

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science, Miami University, Exercise and Health Studies.
The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the relationship between body composition and gross efficiency at various cadences. In 23 subjects (M/F=15/8, age=32.1 (11.1)yrs) body fat: 18.1(7.6)%; body mass: 72.9(7.6) kg; fat free mass: 59.7(8.3) kg; thigh circumference: 50.0(3.1) cm; VO2max: 57.1(9.0) ml/kg/min; and preferred cadence: 89(4.1) rpm) were measured. Efficiency was assessed during two cadence sessions where 3, 5-minute intervals, followed by 5 minutes of rest at a freely chosen cadence. The intervals were set at an intensity of 70% of the power output reached at VO2max. During the interval sessions the participants were instructed to maintain cadences of 80-85-90rpm and 95-100-105 rpm for the first and second sessions, respectively. Fat free mass, body fat %, thigh circumference, and body mass were not significantly associated with cadence efficiency. Preferred cadence was correlated with fat free mass, thigh circumference, and body mass. In agreement with previous studies, cyclists were most efficient at 80 rpm (23.7(1.8)%), and least efficient at 105 rpm (22.2(1.9)%) (p=0.000). It appears that body composition measurements do not influence the cadence at which a cyclist is the most efficient. However, body composition does appear to influence cadence selection and racing strength in competitive cyclists.
Julie Cousins, PhD (Advisor)
Ronald Cox, PhD (Committee Chair)
Randal Claytor, PhD (Committee Member)
10 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Devlin, T. B. (2016). The Influence of Body Composition on Cadence Efficiency in Competitive Cyclists [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470146734

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Devlin, Tate. The Influence of Body Composition on Cadence Efficiency in Competitive Cyclists . 2016. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470146734.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Devlin, Tate. "The Influence of Body Composition on Cadence Efficiency in Competitive Cyclists ." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470146734

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)