The purpose of the present study was to define the optimal loads (OL) for eliciting maximal power-outputs (PO) in the leg and arm modes of the 30s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). Eighteen female and seventeen male physical education students, respectively 20.6 +/- 1.6 and 24.1 +/- 2.5 years old, volunteered to participate. In each of the total five sessions, the test was administered twice on a convertible, mechanically braked cycle-ergometer, once for the legs and once for the arms. The five randomized, evenly-spaced resistance loads ranged from 2.43 to 5.39 Joule per pedal revolution per kg body weight (B. W.) for the legs, and from 1.96 to 3.92 for the arms. The measured variables were mean (MP x kg-1) and peak PO as well as absolute and relative measures of fatigue. A parabola-fitting technique was employed to define the optimal loads from the MP x kg-1 data. The resulting OL were 5.04 and 5.13 Joule x Rev-1 x kg B.W.-1 in the leg and 2.82 and 3.52 in the arm tests for the women and men, respectively. OL were shown to depend on PO magnitude. However, within a two-load span (0.98 Joule x Rev-1 x kg B.W.-1) about the OL, MP x kg-1 did not vary by more than 1.4% in the leg and 2.2% in the arm tests. It is suggested that although the WAnT is rather insensitive to moderate variation in load assignment, improved results could be obtained by using the stated OL as guidelines that may be modified according to individual body build, composition, and, particularly, anaerobic fitness level.

Load optimization for the wingate anaerobic test

The purpose of the present study was to comprehensively examine oxygen consumption (V˙o 2) kinetics during running and cycling through mathematical modeling of the breath-by-breath gas exchange res...

Oxygen uptake kinetics in treadmill running and cycle ergometry: a comparison

The increasing participation in the athletic forms of bicycling warrants expanded physician attention to the traumatic and overuse injuries experienced by cyclists. The modern bicycle consists of a frame with various components, including handlebars, brakes, wheels, pedals, and gears, in various configurations for the various modes of cycling. For high performance cycling the proper fit of the bicycle is critical. The most efficient method to provide an accurate fit is the Fitkit, but proper frame selection and adjustment can be made by following simple guidelines for frame size, seat height, fore and aft saddle position, saddle angle, reach and handlebar height. The human body functions most effectively in a narrow range of pedal resistance to effort. Riding at too much pedal resistance is a major cause of overuse problems in cyclists. Overuse injuries are lower using lower gear ratios at a higher cadence. Cycling injuries account for 500,000 visits per year to emergency rooms in the US. Over half the accidents involve motor vehicles, and road surface and mechanical problems with the bicycle are also common causes of accidents. Head injuries are common in cyclists and account for most of the fatal accidents. Despite good evidence of their effectiveness, victims with head injuries have rarely worn helmets. Contusions, sprains and fractures may occur throughout the body, most commonly to the hand, wrist, lower arm, shoulder, ankle and lower leg. The handlebar and seat have been implicated in a wide variety of abdominal and genital injuries. Abrasions, lacerations and bruises of the skin are the most common traumatic injuries. Trauma may be prevented or reduced by proper protective safety equipment and keeping the bike in top mechanical condition. Anticipation of the errors of others and practising and adopting specific riding strategies also help to prevent traumatic injuries. Management of overuse injuries in cycling generally involves mechanical adjustment as well as medical management. Neck and back pain are extremely common in cyclists, occurring in up to 60% of riders. Ulnar neuropathy, characterised by tingling, numbness and weakness in the hands is common in serious cyclists after several days of riding. Managing saddle-related injuries or irritations may also involve adjusting seat height, angle and fore and aft position in addition to changing the saddle. Padding in the saddle and shorts play an important part in saddle problems. Saddle-related problems include chafing, perineal folliculitis and furuncles, subcutaneous perineal nodules, pudendal neuropathy, male impotence, traumatic urethritis and a variety of vulva trauma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Common cycling injuries. management and prevention

Validity and reliability of rating scales for seated pressure discomfort

The literature suggests two major factors determine rated perceived exertion during physical work. These two factors are a local factor, i.e., sensations or feelings of strain in the working muscles and/or joints; and a central factor, i.e., sensations or feelings primarily associated with the cardiorespiratory systems. In some experiments heart rate and minute ventilation (central vactors) appear to be the dominant cues for rated perceived exertion, while in others, local factors such as blood lactate concentration and muscular discomfort seem to be the prominent cues. However, it appears that when a particular cue is accentuated by either elevated rate, concentration or value over others it can dominate the over-all rating of perceived exertion. After evaluating the existing literature, a model has been introduced to evaluate differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (local and central) in comparison to the over-all measure. This model may help aid in a better understanding of the mechanisms by which the subjective perception of exertion is determined during different types of physical work.

Influence of Local and Central Factors in Dominating Rated Perceived Exertion during Physical Work

Methodical aspects of the relationship between pedalling rate and rotating mass and perceived exertion rating (PER; Borg, 1962) were studied in trained, untrained, and ill subjects in bicycle ergometry. Pedalling rate varied between 40 and 100 rpm, work load steps were 5, 10, 15 and 20 mkp/sec in the healthy subjects, and 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mkp/sec in the patients. PER decreased with increasing pedalling rate in all healthy subjects. In the patients, PER increased moderately at work load of 2.5 mkp/sec, but decreased at higher work loads up to 80 rpm, followed by a slight increase at 100 rpm. Higher mass of the flywheel, studied in 6 trained subjects, lowered the PER insignificantly. In the healthy subjects, test criteria, such as reproducibility, reliability, sensitivity, and linearity remained almost unaffected by pedalling rate. In patients, increasing pedalling speed diminished reproducibility and sensitivity. The strictness of the PER work load relationship is lowered at higher pedalling rate, especially at 100 rpm. When using the PER scale, pedalling rate has to be considered as an factor of main influence.

R. Gross

Papers

Methodical aspects of perceived exertion rating and its relation to pedalling rate and rotating mass.