EFFECT OF ALTERING PEDAL CADENCE ON CYCLING PERFORMANCE

Greater power output (PO) produces faster times in a cycling time trial (TT). PO depends on cadence and force, which is manipulated by altering the gear ratio. Cyclists typically race with a freely chosen cadence (FCC) between 85095 rpm, but higher cadences may reduce muscle effort and joint stress, while improving muscle hemodynamics. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of altering cadence on TT performance. METHODS: Twelve competitive male cyclists (mean ± SD, age: 24 ± 4 y; body mass: 70.9 ± 5.9 kg; VO2 max 4.56 ± .52 l/min) rode three 8 km TTs. The first was at their FCC (92 ± 2 rpm), while the other two, high cadence (HC, −101 ± 6 rpm) and low cadence (LC, −83 ± 6 rpm), were randomly assigned. Subjects rode their own bicycles, fitted with a power meter and attached to a stationary trainer. Familiarization sessions were completed 2 d prior to each TT to establish gear ratio preference. RESULTS: LC and FCC times were similar; HC was significantly (p < .05) slower (754.2 ± 58.50 s), than the LC (736.44 ± 62.86 s), but not FCC (747.11 ± 63.16 s). HC PO (272.75 ± 34.58 W) was also significantly (p < .05) lower than LC (294.17 ± 29.34 W) and FCC (287.67 ± 33.50 W). Post-test blood lactate, VO2, and rating of perceived exertion were the same irrespective of cadence. Heart rate and VE were significantly p < .05) higher during FCC compared to LC. CONCLUSION: LC and FFC may produce faster TTs than HC. Cadence-specific training, however, may produce different results.