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Category

Cycling

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the acute effects of small changes in crank-arm length and pedalling power on crank torque-angle profile during seated cycling. Twelve amateur cyclists participated and performed 12 sets of 5-min submaximal pedalling on a special cycle ergometer (4 intensities x 3 crank lengths). Principal Component Analysis technique was used to analyse ten crank torque-angle curves of the right leg. A longer crank increased the crank torque of the front leg (30-125º) in order to lift the rear leg (200-320º), contrary to the effect of increasing pedalling power. Furthermore, pedalling with the longest crank required higher torque values after reaching peak torque (110-170º) compared to the shortest ones. In conclusion, contrary to the lore, a longer crank requires a higher mechanical effort compared to a shorter crank for pedalling at the same intensity.

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