Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Pelvic Trajectory during Pedaling Motions under High Workload and High Cadence

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the movements of the pelvis during pedaling motions. We, especially, analyzed a trajectory of the pelvis when cycling cadence or workload were changed. In this study, 7 non-cyclists were asked to pedal at 2 cadences of 60 and 90 rpm, and at 5 power outputs of 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 W. We placed reflective markers on the anatomical characteristic points to define the body segments, and we measured a whole body movements during pedaling motion. As a result, from 0 to 60 degs during down stroke phase, the center of the pelvis moved posteriorly at both 60 and 90 rpm. Trajectories of the center of the pelvis at 60 rpm as low cadence shifted anteriorly, but 90 rpm as high cadence shifted posteriorly. The most posterior points of the trajectories tended to shift anteriorly at 60 rpm as workload increased, but the points at 90 rpm tended to shift posteriorly as workload decreased.