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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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EFFECT OF THE ROTOR CRANK SYSTEM ON CYCLING PERFORMANCE |
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Simon A. Jobson1  ,
James Hopker1, Andrew Galbraith1, Damian A. Coleman2
and Alan M. Nevill3 |
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1Centre for Sports Studies, University of Kent, Kent, England, 2Department of Sport Science, Leisure and Tourism, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, England, 3Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Performance, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, England |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2009) 8, 463 - 467 |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel crank
system on laboratory time-trial cycling performance. The Rotor system makes
each pedal independent from the other so that the cranks are no longer fixed
at 180°. Twelve male competitive but non-elite cyclists (mean ± s: 35 ±
7 yr, Wmax = 363 ± 38 W, VO2peak = 4.5 ± 0.3 L·min-1)
completed 6-weeks of their normal training using either a conventional (CON)
or the novel Rotor (ROT) pedal system. All participants then completed two
40.23-km time-trials on an air-braked ergometer, one using CON and one using
ROT. Mean performance speeds were not different between trials (CON = 41.7
km·h-1 vs. ROT = 41.6 km·h-1, P > 0.05). Indeed, the pedal system used
during the time-trials had no impact on any of the measured variables (power
output, cadence, heart rate, VO2, RER, gross efficiency). Furthermore,
the ANOVA identified no significant interaction effect between main effects
(Time-trial crank system*Training crank system, P > 0.05). To the authors'
knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of the Rotor system
on endurance performance rather than endurance capacity. These results suggest
that the Rotor system has no measurable impact on time-trial performance.
However, further studies should examine the importance of the Rotor 'regulation
point' and the suggestion that the Rotor system has acute ergogenic effects
if used infrequently.
Key words: Gross efficiency, cycling performance, bicycle equipment. |
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