Effect of workload on bilateral pedaling kinematics in non-trained cyclists

The aim of this study was to assess whether pedaling kinematics were asymmetric in non-cycling and if the workload increase could modify the pedaling kinematics. Ten non-trained cycling male swimmers, both right handed and footed, were included in an incremental test on a bicycle matched to their size fixed on a treadmill ergometer. An optoelectronic system Vicon captured their lower limb kinematics at 50 frames per second at 55% (V) over dot O-2max (WL1), 65% (V) over dot O-2max (WL2) and 75% (V) over dot O-2max (WL3). Pedaling kinematics were workload dependent. Maximum anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) medial displacement decreased with workload enhancement. Maximum ASIS lateral displacement, maximum hip flexion, ASIS displacement amplitude, and hip flexion/ extension amplitude increased with workload increase. Pedaling kinematics were asymmetric. At each power output, the right side showed a higher maximum ASIS raising, a greater maximum ankle adduction, a greater ankle abduction/adduction amplitude, a later maximum ankle abduction than those on the left side. The pedaling movement in non-cyclists was asymmetric and movement amplitudes were greater on the right dominant side than those on the left side. Pedaling kinematics in non cyclists did not change with the workload increase as in cyclists, to adjust the movement to the pedaling strength and to enhance the efficiency of the pedal force apply. Thus non cyclists' movements could be less efficient than those of cyclists.