Maximal cycling exercise has been widely used to describe the power–velocity characteristics of lower-limb extensor
muscles.
This study investigated the contribution of each functional sector (i.e., extension, flexion, and transitions sectors) on the total force produced over a complete pedaling cycle.
We also examined the ratio of effective force to the total pedal force, termed index of mechanical effectiveness (IE), in explaining differences in power between subjects. Methods: Two-dimensional pedal forces and crank angles were measured during a cycling force–velocity test performed by 14 active men.
Mean values of forces, power output, and IE over four functional angular sectors were assessed: top = 330-–30-, downstroke = 30-–150-, bottom = 150-–210-, and upstroke = 210-–330-.