Bilateral pedaling asymmetry during a simulated 40-km cycling time-trial.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the pedaling asymmetry during a 40-km cycling time-trial (TT).


METHODS
Six sub-elite competitive male cyclists pedaled a SRM Training Systems cycle ergometer throughout a simulated 40-km TT. A SRM scientific crank dynamometer was used to measure the bilateral crank torque (N.m) and pedaling cadence (rpm). All data were analyzed into 4 stages with equal length obtained according to total time. Comparisons between each stage of the 40-km TT were made by an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Dominant (DO) and non-dominant (ND) crank peak torque asymmetry was determined by the equation: asymmetry index (AI%)=[(DO-ND)/DO] 100. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to verify the relationship between exercise intensity, mean and crank peak torque.


RESULTS
The crank peak torque was significantly (P<0.05) greater in the 4th stage compared with other stages. During the stages 2 and 3, was observed the AI% of 13.51% and 17.28%, respectively. Exercise intensity (%VO(2max)) was greater for stage 4 (P<0.05) and was highly correlated with mean and crank peak torque (r=0.97 and r=0.92, respectively) for each stage.


CONCLUSIONS
The DO limb was always responsible for the larger crank peak torque. It was concluded that pedaling asymmetry is present during a simulated 40-km TT and an increase on crank torque output and exercise intensity elicits a reduction in pedaling asymmetry.
Carpes
F P
FP
Biomechanics Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports Faculty, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. felipecarpes@gmail.com
Rossato
M
M
Faria
I E
IE
Bolli Mota
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D019415:Torque