Knee flexor moments during propulsion in cycling:​ a creative solution to Lombard's Paradox

Gregor, R. J.; Cavanagh, P. R.; LaFortune, M.

Affiliations

¹Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.

²Biomechanics Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, PA, U.S.A.

Abstract

The function of two joint muscles in the human lower extremity was studied during a cycling task with efficiency of their action discussed in light of Lombard's Paradox. Special pedals were designed to monitor reaction forces parallel to the sagittal plane of the body. Net moments of force about the hip, knee and ankle and EMG patterns in selected lower extremity muscles were recorded in five subjects pedalling against a constant load. The most original aspect of this study was the clear difference in hip and knee action during the propulsive phase of the pedalling cycle. A knee flexor moment was consistently observed in all subjects starting approximately half way through the propulsive phase of crank rotation (0–180°) and presented as a creative solution to Lombard's Paradox.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(85)90286-6

PubMed: 4008501

WoS: A1985AKQ7500001

History

Received: 1984-06-6

Revised: 1984-08-14

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Cited By (24)

Year	Entry
1990	Ong HD, Hemami H, Simon S. Simulation studies of musculo-skeletal dynamics in cycling and sitting on a chair. In: Winters JM, Woo SL-Y, eds. Multiple Muscle Systems: Biomechanics and Movement Organization. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag; 1990:518-533.
1990	Chapman AE, Sanderson DJ. Muscular coordination in sporting skills. In: Winters JM, Woo SL-Y, eds. Multiple Muscle Systems: Biomechanics and Movement Organization. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag; 1990:608-620.
1990	van Ingen Schenau GJ; Maarten F. Bobbert, van Soest AJ. The unique action of bi-articular muscles in leg extensions. In: Winters JM, Woo SL-Y, eds. Multiple Muscle Systems: Biomechanics and Movement Organization. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag; 1990:639-652.
1989	Zajac FE, Gordon ME. Determining muscle's force and action in multi-articular movement. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. January 1989;17(1):187-230.
1993	Kautz SA, Hull ML. A theoretical basis for interpreting the force applied to the pedal in cycling. J Biomech. February 1993;26(2):155-165.
1997	Raasch CC, Zajac FE, Ma B, Levine WS. Muscle coordination of maximum-speed pedaling. J Biomech. June 1997;30(6):595-602.
2023	Yamaguchi Y, Otsuka M, Wada N, Nishiyama T. Power production strategy during steady-state cycling is cadence dependent. J Biomech. September 2023;158:111772.
2007	Thompson MA. Mechanical Power Output in Sprint Cycling [Master's thesis]. University of Colorado; 2007.
2005	Lay AN. Neuromuscular Coordination During Slope Walking [PhD thesis]. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Institute of Technology; December 2005.
2011	Childers WL. Motor Control in Persons With a Trans-Tibial Amputation During Cycling [PhD thesis]. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Institute of Technology; August 2011.
1986	Sanderson DJ. The Use of Augmented Feedback for the Modification of Riding Mechanics of Inexperienced Cyclists [PhD thesis]. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University; May 1986.
2016	Dick TJM. Mechanics of the Gastrocnemii-Achilles Tendon Complex During Human Cycling: Experimental and Modelling Approaches to Estimate in Vivo Forces [PhD thesis]. Simon Fraser University; F 2016.
1992	Kuo AD. Visualization Techniques for Analyzing Control of Human Movement: Affine Mappings Between Multidimensional Spaces [PhD thesis]. Stanford University; December 1992.
1993	Fregly BJ. The Significance of Crank Load Dynamics to Steady-State Pedaling Biomechanics: An Experimental and Computer Modeling Study [PhD thesis]. Stanford University; March 1993.
1995	Raasch CC. Coordination of Pedaling: Functional Muscle Groups and Locomotor Strategies [PhD thesis]. Stanford University; December 1995.
2008	Cawsey RP. Does a Decrease in Seat Height Modify the Effect of Cadence on Activation of the Triceps Surae During Cycling? [Master's thesis]. Vancouver, BC: University of British Columbia; August 2008.
2000	Boyko BL. The Strength of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle and the Kinetics of Cycling After Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament [Master's thesis]. Calgary, AB: University of Calgary; March 2000.
2010	Austin NP. Insights Into the in Vivo Mechanical Properties of Human Skeletal Muscle During Dynamic Contractions [Master's thesis]. Calgary, AB: University of Calgary; January 2010.
1992	Kautz SA. Biomechanics of Pedalling With Non-Circular Chainrings in Cycling [PhD thesis]. Davis, University of California; 1992.
2000	Slavin MM. Neuromuscular Control of Bilaterally Asymmetrical Force Production During a Locomotor Task [PhD thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2000.
1989	Rugg SG. Muscle Mechanics of the Triceps Surae and Tibialis Anterior Muscles During Ankle Dorsi- and Plantarflexion [PhD thesis]. Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California; 1989.
1991	Broker JP. Mechanical Energy Management During Constrained Human Movement [PhD thesis]. Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California; 1991.
1994	Perell KL. Force Symmetry Feedback Training on the Bicycle in Patients With Unilateral Cerebrovascular Accidents [PhD thesis]. Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California; 1994.
2021	Wilkinson R. Rock and Roll: The Effects of Centre of Mass Movement and Bicycle Lean on the Biomechanics of Cycling [PhD thesis]. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland; 2021.