Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of knee angle on submaximal bicycle ergometry. As a matter of practical efficiency, most testing is performed with the knee extended (180 degrees) when the pedal is at the bottom of the arc. Does mechanical efficiency decline when the knee is less than 180 degrees extension? Sixteen male high school students volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed three 6-minute submaximal work bouts at 600 kpm on a Monark bicycle ergometer. Treatment 1 was with a knee angle between 175-180 degrees, treatment 2 was 155-160 degrees, and treatment 3 was 135-140 degrees. Treatment conditions were randomly assigned to eliminate trend effects and spaced one week apart to reduce training effects. Treatment means were x1 = 132.0 bpm, x2 = 134.6 bpm, and x3 = 135.0 bpm. The results indicated that knee angle had no effects on heart rate during submaximal bicycle ergometry. This appears to support other studies of mechanical work during bicycle ergometry. Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that knee angle has no effects on submaximal bicycle ergometry. Subjects should be allowed to utilize a saddle height and knee angle that feels most comfortable. Verf.-Referat