The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of training level on indices of effectiveness (IE). Six male cyclists and non cyclists performed pedalling bouts for I minute using a cycle ergometer against the work load of 1 50, 200 and 250W. The subjects were directed to maintain 90 rpm of pedalling rate during the cycling bouts. Rotary encorders and triaxis force sensors were mounted on the ergometer for measuring crank angle, both pedal forces and both pedal angles. Using these data, the resultant pedal force (FR) and the force perpendicular component of the crank force (FE) were calculated. IE represents the ratio of the force component perpendicular to the crank to the appplied force to the pedals and was calculated by FR and FE . IE was not different between cyclist and non cyclist groups. On the other hand, peak FR during 250W was significantly lower in cyclists than non cyclists ( 344.9±37.6 [N] and 398.4±24.6 [N] respectively, p<0.05). Those results suggested that pedalling skill would be reflected by the lower pedalling force which was related with a reduction of negative force during up phase rather than its efficiency converting to effective torque.
