Variability in Laboratory vs. Field Testing of Peak Power, Torque, and Time of Peak Power Production Among Elite Bicycle Motocross Cyclists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain the variation in elite male BMX cyclists' peak power, torque and time of power production during laboratory and fieldbased testing. Eight male elite BMX riders volunteered for the study and each rider completed 3 maximal sprints using both an SRM ergometer in the laboratory, and a portable SRM power meter on an Olympic standard indoor BMX track. The results revealed a significantly higher peak power (p = < 0.001, 34 ± 9 %) and reduced time of power production (p = < 0.001, 105 ± 24 %) in the field tests when compared to laboratory derived values. Torque was also reported to be lower in the laboratory tests, but not to an accepted level of significance (p = 0.182, 6 ± 8 %).These results suggest that field based testing may be a more effective and accurate measure of a BMX rider's peak power, torque and time of power production.

The Effect of “Pumping” and “Nonpumping” Techniques on Velocity Production and Muscle Activity During Field-Based BMX Cycling

“…Bertucci's study showed that 32% higher force was applied to the bicycle during standing sprints, when compared to seated sprints. Similar findings were reported in a study that compared laboratory sprints on a cycle ergometer to sprints performed on a BMX track when riders used their own bikes (16). Rylands et al (2015) concluded that the laboratory cycle ergometer restricted the natural lateral oscillation of the bicycle and resulted in a mean reduction in power of 34 %.…”

“…Similar findings were reported in a study that compared laboratory sprints on a cycle ergometer to sprints performed on a BMX track when riders used their own bikes (16). Rylands et al (2015) concluded that the laboratory cycle ergometer restricted the natural lateral oscillation of the bicycle and resulted in a mean reduction in power of 34 %. Both of these studies confirmed that the oscillation of a BMX bicycle is only possible when a rider is pedalling, as the movement is used as leverage by the upper body (1,16).…”

“…There is, to date, however, a shortage of studies which have investigated the effect of the upper body on velocity production in BMX cycling (1,16). This is in contrast with other cycling disciplines, where upper body muscle activation has been captured using surface electromyography (sEMG) (2,10,11,15).…”

“…Rylands et al (2015) concluded that the laboratory cycle ergometer restricted the natural lateral oscillation of the bicycle and resulted in a mean reduction in power of 34 %. Both of these studies confirmed that the oscillation of a BMX bicycle is only possible when a rider is pedalling, as the movement is used as leverage by the upper body (1,16).…”

Effect of gear ratio on peak power and time to peak power in BMX cyclists

“…Prior to testing each rider completed a 10 minute familiarisation session and self-paced warm up. Specifically, each rider carried out their standard pre-competition routine, which included seated cycling, and a series of short standing sprints (Rylands, Roberts & Hurst 2015a). Participants performed the warm up using the standard race gear ratio (43/16) on their own bikes.…”