Abstract
Seven subjects pedalled on a Monark cycle ergometer as fast as possible for approximately 7 s against four different resistances which corresponded to braking torques (T B) equal to 19, 38, 57 and 76 N · m at the crank level. Exercise periods were separated by 5-min recovery periods. Pedal velocity was recorded every 50 ms by means of a disc with 360 slots fixed on the flywheel, passing in front of a photo-electric cell linked to a microcomputer which processed the data. Every 50 ms, the time necessary to perform half a pedal revolution (t 1/2) was computed by adding the 50-ms periods necessary to reach 669 slots (the number of slots corresponding to half a pedal revolution). To measuret 1/2 to an accuracy better than 50 ms, this time was computed by a linear interpolation of the time-slot number relationship. Power (P) was averaged duringt 12 by adding the power dissipated against braking torque and the power necessary to accelerate the flywheel. The torque-velocity (T-ν) relationship was studied during the acceleration phase of a sprint against a single TB by computing every 50 ms the relationship between ν and T (N · m), equal to the sum ofT B and the torque necessary to accelerate the flywheel at the same time. The T-ν relationships calculated from the acceleration phase of a single all-out exercise were linear and similar to the previously described relationships between peak velocity and braking force. These relationships can be expressed as follows: ν = ν0,acc (1 −T/T 0,acc) where ν is pedal velocity,T the torque exerted on the crank andT 0,acc and ν0,acc have the dimensions of maximal torque and maximal velocity respectively. Based on this model, maximal power (P max,acc) is calculated as 0.257ν0, acc T 0, acc. Maximal powerP max,acc measured with the acceleration method was independent of braking torqueT B and slightly higher thanP max calculated from the relationship between peak velocity andT B.
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Seck, D., Vandewalle, H., Decrops, N. et al. Maximal power and torque-velocity relationship on a cycle ergometer during the acceleration phase of a single all-out exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 70, 161–168 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361544
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361544