Modern approaches to evaluation of effectiveness of pedaling techniques in cycling and triathlon

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PhD, Professor A.A. Zakharov1
Dr. Biol., Professor E.Yu. Fedorova2
A.Yu. Kazakov2
Postgraduate A.Yu. Borodavkin2
1Russian State University of Physical Education, Sports, Youth and Tourism (SCOLIPE), Moscow
2Moscow City Pedagogical University, Moscow

Objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the pedaling technique of cyclists and thiathletes using the technical aids equipped with tensometric sensors.
Methods and structure of the study. At the first stage of the study, we examined 20 male triathletes aged 25-40 years. They were asked to perform physical work on the Excalibur Sport cycle ergometer with the constant resistance of 50W and 100W and constant cadence of 70, 90, and 110 rpm. At each step, the rotational moment (torque) produced by the left and right legs was registered. At the second stage of the study, we examined 10 cyclists aged 15-16 years, who specialized in the pace disciplines of cycling-track. The maximal anaerobic alactic power (MAP) was measured during the maximum 10-second seated acceleration from stop. The rotational moment produced by the left and right legs was determined during the 1-minute pedaling at the power of anaerobic threshold (WAnT, AnT).
Results and conclusions. The analysis of the data obtained revealed a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the negative torque values by 15% with an increase in the pedaling cadence for every 20 rpm. At the same time, it can be said that it is the reduction in the effort applied for each rotation that increases the negative torque values due to the lack of spinning technique. The study found a strong negative correlation (r=-0.77) between the negative values of the moment of force and pedaling power. The negative torque values in 100% of the subjects indicated poor pedaling technique. Therefore, this fact confirms the relevance of research in this field, in particular, necessitates the development of a methodology to improve the spinning technique.

Keywords: pedaling technique, torque, moment of force, cycle ergometry, pedaling power, cadence, maximal alactic power, power of anaerobic threshold.

References

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