Comparison the effects of two pedaling methods on lower limb muscles activity and fatigue index in road cyclists

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two pedaling methods on lower limb muscles fatigue index and muscular activity in road cyclists. For this purpose eight road cyclists participated in two separately session in laboratory. They were pedaling with pushing technique in first session and circling (pullingpushing) technique in the other session. Surface electromyography activity of the Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosous, Gastrocnemius Medialis, Gastrocnemius Lateralis and Tibialis Anterior muscles of the subjects were recorded. Each session was performed according to predetermined protocol until exhaustion. There was a significant difference between pushing and rest phases during two pedaling techniques with higher muscle activity in pushing technique. Subjects during circling technique exhausted later. According to the results of this study, the circling technique caused lower muscle activity consequently, increases gross efficiency. It is recommended that road cyclists utilize the circling technique.