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Cycling
Published in R. C. Richard Davison, Paul M. Smith, James Hopker, Michael J. Price, Florentina Hettinga, Garry Tew, Lindsay Bottoms, Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines: Volume I – Sport Testing, 2022
Len Parker Simpson, James G. Hopker, R. C. Richard Davison
Cycling as a sport encompasses many different events and thus a very large range of different physiological demands. Events can be as short as 30–40 s or last as long as 24 h or 21 days as a Grand Tour stage race. Initially through heart rate monitoring and, more recently, with direct measurement of power output, a substantial understanding of the physiological demands of cycling has emerged. Within cycling events there are a range of power development patterns. Individual time trials could be considered the most consistent intensity, whereas most other cycling events require a much more stochastic power production. The magnitude and frequency of these variations have a significant effect on the event-specific demands. An approach that has been used is to create a power profile (the maximum mean power for the durations of 5, 10 and 30 s and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 60 and 180 min, achieved within a race season), from which research has suggested achieving a top-ten result in a professional cycling road race is largely determined by shorter-duration absolute and relative maximum mean power (<5 min; van Erp and Sanders, 2020). However, this may not be appropriate for other levels of road racing. Power-to-weight ratio is an important factor in determining relative cycling power outputs, especially when working against gravity (i.e., cycling uphill). Therefore, the regular assessment of body composition is an important consideration for the cyclist (see Chapter 3.4 for methods).
Mechanics of Cycling
Published in Christopher L. Vaughan, Biomechanics of Sport, 2020
Dirk J. Pons, Christopher L. Vaughan
An interesting finding of several of these studies, was the poor correlation between EMG recorded from able-bodied subjects on the device and the optimal stimulation sequence for paraplegics. Perhaps the reason for this was the necessity to compensate for muscles that are active during normal cycling, but inactive under stimulation. Further investigation of this phenomenon seems warranted.
Emerging ergogenic aids for endurance activity and weight loss
Published in Jay R Hoffman, Dietary Supplementation in Sport and Exercise, 2019
Several nutritional supplements have recently been proposed to have ergogenic effects relating to endurance performance and weight loss. The mechanisms by which these supplements may exert favourable effects include, but are not limited to, delaying fatigue, promoting optimal hydration status, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing muscle fatty acid oxidation and promoting vasodilation. The ability to perform sustained, high-intensity aerobic activity is important for competition in several sports and events including running, cycling, swimming and team sports such as soccer. Additionally, while most weight loss supplements have proven ineffective for increasing metabolism, reducing appetite and reducing body fat percentage, dietary supplements proposed to enhance the ability to exercise continuously at submaximal intensity for prolonged periods of time or enhance high-intensity aerobic exercise may also assist in body weight management. The focus of this chapter will be to introduce some emerging ergogenic aids that have been proposed to enhance endurance activity and/or weight loss.
The experiences of cardiac surgery critical care clinicians with in-bed cycling in adult patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery
Published in Disability and Rehabilitation, 2022
Anastasia N. L. Newman, Michelle E. Kho, Jocelyn E. Harris, Alison Fox-Robichaud, Patricia Solomon
The concept of determining the “right timing” to introduce in-bed cycling was raised by the majority of participants. Participants highlighted that finding the balance between physical rehabilitation, critical care interventions, and “the exact time frame [in the recovery process]” to introduce cycling was an important consideration. For many, initiating cycling as a means of preventing a loss in muscle strength and physical function was essential. However, many worried that critical patients could not tolerate any physical rehabilitation during their acute post-operative phase. For example, patients requiring intra-aortic balloon pump for mechanical assistance with cardiac contraction or continuous renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure were deemed “too acute” for cycling by many participants. Others, however, worried that delaying rehabilitation could result in long term complications, such as reduced functional ability.
Outdoor E-trike cycling: A low intensity physical activity
Published in Assistive Technology, 2022
Roos Bulthuis, Monique Tabak, Leendert Schaake, Hermie Hermens
The electrically assisted bicycle (e-bike) is becoming increasingly popular compared to a conventional bicycle, likely because e-bikes can increase travel range and speed, and reduce effort required by the cyclist (Langford et al., 2015; Plazier et al., 2018). Literature on e-bike cycling suggests that despite pedal support, the cyclist could still gain some health benefits (Johnson & Rose, 2013). For example, sub-maximal power output and maximum oxygen uptake increased after 6 and 4 weeks of commuter e-bike cycling, respectively, compared to commuting by car (De Geus et al., 2013; Peterman et al., 2016). This is supported by studies highlighting that e-bike cycling can result in moderate to vigorous exercise intensities, depending on support settings, speed, and slope (Gojanovic et al., 2011; Langford et al., 2017; Louis et al., 2012; Simons et al., 2009). On the other hand, riding an e-bike involves lower muscle activation, reduced cardiorespiratory and metabolic effort, and requires less effort from the cyclist (Gojanovic et al., 2011; Langford et al., 2017; Louis et al., 2012; Simons et al., 2009; Sperlich et al., 2012). Consequently, cycling becomes a more accessible physical activity also for those with lower endurance or muscle strength.
Differences in Leisure Physical Activity Participation in Children with Typical Development and Cerebral Palsy
Published in Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 2021
Fabio Vila-Nova, Cristina Dos Santos Cardoso de Sá, Raul Oliveira, Rita Cordovil
Similarly to Woodmansee et al.,18 our study found that children with TD participated more in cycling than their peers with CP. The ability to ride a bike requires adequate child skills, environmental context, and task-specific characteristics, which could pose a challenge for children with CP.39 A survey study with parents of 114 children with CP and 87 children with TD aged 6 to 15 years indicated that the skill development to ride a two-wheeled bicycle was delayed in children with CP compared to their TD peers.40 The authors identified age, gross motor function, and the importance placed on bicycle riding by parents as the most influential factors in the ability to achieve riding a two-wheeled bicycle. Family and child support may optimize participation and enjoyment of cycling as a recreational activity. Despite the initial negative and overprotective attitudes, the pleasure related to the cycling experience is highlighted by children with CP.41 Having access to a facility with adapted bicycles, a physiotherapy assessment for a suitable bike and safe adapted cycling conditions were pointed as essential for a successful experience.41 A recent systematic review42 found preliminary evidence for cycling interventions to improve components of gross motor function in non-ambulant children with CP. Encouraging families to provide early opportunities to experience riding a bike with adaptations while ensuring safety and supervision could improve participation in this activity.