The rotor pedaling system improves anaerobic but not aerobic cycling performance in professional cyclists

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2009 May;106(1):87-94. doi: 10.1007/s00421-009-0993-x. Epub 2009 Jan 31.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of both noncircular (ROT) and conventional (CON) chainring systems on aerobic and anaerobic cycling performances of professional cyclists, while analyzing the influence of varying the crank angle of maximum crank arm length of ROT. Fifteen professional road cyclists performed both incremental and sub-maximal aerobic tests and the Wingate anaerobic test in the laboratory. There were no statistical differences between CON and ROT in the aerobic tests, even when the best ROT position (ROT+) was selected. However, in the anaerobic test, maximal (4.2-9.1%) and mean (0.7-4.7%) power outputs were higher in ROT (P < 0.05). These differences were greater when the ROT+ was selected (11.2 and 7.0%, respectively). Our findings suggest that ROT is able to improve anaerobic but not aerobic cycling performance in professional cyclists. Nevertheless, it must be adapted to each cyclist to ensure these improvements.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaerobiosis / physiology
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Efficiency
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Rotation
  • Young Adult