Scientists find the most perfect pedaling rhythm for cycling brains

The bicycle mainly uses the pedals to output power to the rear wheel to drive the entire body to run forward. Therefore, the best pedaling rhythm becomes the best pedaling rhythm. Whether it is a daily cyclist or a person who is keen on triathlon sports, The most frequently researched and discussed technical issue, however, it is generally accepted that simply learning to spin the cranks at the correct speed will allow you to ride more efficiently at speed, but this skill is not available to most cyclists. Understand, since learning proper pedaling technique is so important, what is the best pedaling rhythm for optimal efficiency and speed? Below we will use some research reports to illustrate.

Does the cycling brain have the perfect pedaling rhythm? Through research, Swiss scientists have found that using this rhythm is the most perfect

Observe the free rhythm

In a study conducted by Swiss scientists, researchers set these two kinds of observation goals to try to answer the question of "free rhythm".

Goal 1. Observe the way cyclists freely choose their rhythm under various conditions, which is how everyone pedals at the speed they feel most comfortable in when they are most at ease.

Goal 2. Compare this freely chosen rhythm with the optimal rhythm, mainly to study the pedaling revolutions that produce the lowest blood lactic acid concentration under constant power output.

The researchers set two goals as the focus of the observation!

Why do these researchers look at blood lactate levels and use it to calculate the optimal rhythm? Because, the change of blood lactate concentration during exercise mainly depends on the intensity and duration of exercise; and is affected by factors such as exercise mode, age and muscle glycogen storage. So, if lactate production is reduced, muscle fatigue is reduced, which also means you can pedal longer and distance at a fixed power output and pedal cadence; this is what all cyclists need to do most in timed races matter. In addition, the researchers also hope to use this study to find out the changes between the bicycle path and the body position; whether changing the free choice rhythm is related to the optimal rhythm.

To this end, the researchers set up two different conditions of normal riding on flat ground and vertical riding on uphill, and analyzed data such as free rhythm, optimal rhythm, blood lactate and maximum power; the researchers specially found Actual data presented by seven experienced cyclists in both cases. This study focuses on observing cyclists; whether they can instinctively choose the best pedal rhythm regardless of the riding surface environment, and also observe the free rhythm and the most Is the good rhythm pedaling lower?

This is a good choice

One of the findings of this study is that almost all cyclists use their free rhythm, choosing a pedaling style that is very close to the optimal rhythm, whether they are riding on flat or slope conditions. The average data in the whole group was 82.1rpm free cadence while riding on flat surface, and the best cadence was 89.3rpm; while riding uphill, the free cadence was 81.5rpm, and the best cadence was 87.7rpm, found in this study An interesting situation, in the free rhythm facing uphill, riding in an upright position helps generate about 2% of the power.

Riding in an upright position helps generate about 2% of the power in the free rhythm facing uphill.

The brain controls the optimal rhythm

For many cyclists, even seasoned cyclists, may be curious about their own pedaling skills, do they always feel like they are pedaling a little too slowly or too fast? But from this research, it is clear that using a lower cadence and an upright riding style on the uphill road will be more conducive to the improvement of pedaling speed and power. As long as you're a seasoned bicyclist, rather than a beginner pedaling through the big gears, the free-paced pedaling style is perfect for you. Interestingly, this study also correlates with a study on running distance, so the researchers are more certain that our brains produce the best comfort whether it is the pedaling speed of riding or the pace of running. Rhythm and movement, because that's how you can maintain a constant pace with minimal energy expenditure.