title: The influence of 3D kinematic and electromyographical parameters on cycling economy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Economy is considered to be a key factor for the determination of performance in endurance events such as cycling. There have been no investigations which have related cycling economy to simultaneous measurements of 3D kinematics and muscular activation. This study examined selected biomechanical and neuromuscular parameters which have the strongest association with cycling economy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five trained cyclists (31.27 ± 3.19 years) completed steady state cycling time trials at a workload of 180 W. Simultaneous measurements of 3D kinematics and electromyographical parameters were obtained. Continuous measurements of expired gases were used to provide a measure of cycling economy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A multiple regression analysis showed that key parameters of peak knee extension velocity and mean activity of the rectus femoris muscles were significant predictors of VO2 during steady state cycling (P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has documented the key biomechanical parameters pertinent to cycling economy. As economy has been shown to influence aerobic performance, future work should focus on optimising these parameters to improve cycling economy.
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hebron
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Atkins
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire.
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hurst
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D006615:Hip / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology