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Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(10): 783-788
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1398534
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of Vibrations Experienced during Road vs. Off-road Cycling

P. W. Macdermid
,
P. W. Fink
,
S. R. Stannard
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Publication History



accepted after revision 06 November 2014

Publication Date:
03 June 2015 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of vibrations experienced during off-road and road cycling. It was hypothesised that additional damping will be expressed through a greater work demand and increased physiological markers when travelling at the same speed over an identical terrain profile. Participants ascended a tar-sealed road climb and a single-track off-road climb at a predetermined speed. Time, speed, power, cadence, heart rate and V̇ O2 were sampled and logged every second while tri-axial accelerometers recorded accelerations (128 Hz) to quantify vibrations experienced. Statistical analysis indicated accelerations to be greater during the off-road condition (p<0.0001) with post-hoc analysis exposing differences (p<0.001) for handlebar, arm, leg and seat post but not the lower back or head. The increased accelerations during off-road riding are associated with the increased vibrations and rolling resistance experienced. This led to increases in the work done (road: 280±69 vs. off-road: 312±74 W, p=0.0003) and, consequentially, a significant increase in the physiological markers V̇ O2 (road: 48.5±7.5 off-road 51.4±7.3 ml·kg−1·min−1, p=0.0033) and heart rate (road: 161±10 off-road 170±10 bpm, p=0.0001) during the off-road condition. Such physiological differences and their causes are important to understand in order to provide suitable training recommendations or technological interventions for improving competitive performance or recreational enjoyment.

Key words

mountain biking - accelerometers - rolling resistance - cycling economy - performance
 

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