Torque-velocity relation of pedaling movement against stepwise increase in load

Abstract

Using a recumbent-type cycle ergometer, we investigated the validityof using a stepwise increment in load within a bout of exercise todetermine the torque-velocity relation of pedaling movement. Fourteenhealthy men and women performed pedaling exercise at their maximaleffort on a recumbent-type cycle ergometer with an electromagneticload control. Two types of loading were used: a conventional method(C) in which a varied load was applied to each bout independently;a "stepwise loading" method (S) in which the load was successivelyincreased within a bout. In S, the external load was not appliedinitially, but when axial rotation velocity reached a maximum, itwas increased in a stepwise manner until the velocity declined to30% of the maximum. The torque-velocity relations obtained by bothmethods (C and S) were well described with linear functions and substantiallyidentical, indicating that the present stepwise loading method isuseful for a rapid evaluation of lower-limb muscle function.