Optimal pedalling velocity characteristics during maximal and submaximal cycling in humans

The aim of this study was to compare optimal pedalling velocities during ma ximal (OVM) and submaximal (OVSM) cycling in human, subjects with different training backgrounds. A group of 22 subjects [6 explosive (EX), 6 enduranc e (EN) and 10 non-specialised subjects] sprint cycled on a friction-loaded ergometer four maximal sprints lasting 6 s each followed by five 3-min peri ods of steady-state cycling at 150 W with pedalling frequencies varying fro m 40 to 120 rpm. The OVM and OVSM were defined as the velocities correspond ing to the maximal power production and the lowest oxygen consumption, resp ectively. A significant linear relationship (r(2) = 0.52, P < 0.001) was fo und between individual OVM [mean 123.1 (SD 11.2) rpm] and OVSM [mean 57.0 ( SD 4.9) rpm, P < 0.001] values, suggesting that the same functional propert ies of leg extensor muscles influence both OVM and OVSM. Since EX was great er than EN in both OVM and OVSM (134.3 compared to 110.9 rpm and 60.8 compa red to 54.0 rpm, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) it could be hypothesi sed that the distribution of muscle fibre type plays an important role in o ptimising both maximal and submaximal cycling performance.