Some effects of knee angle and foot placement in bicycle ergometer

The aim of this study was to examine the effect on heart rate, blood pressure and RPE on a bicycle ergometer performed with three different ways, i.e. with the anterior part of the foot, the posterior part of the foot and at saddle height with a knee angle of 120 degrees-125 degrees of submaximal and maximal work load. Untrained female (age X = 22 +/- 2.10 years, weight X = 56 +/- 5.4 kg, height X = 162 +/- 5.25 cm) volunteered as subjects. Heart rate and RPE at work load of 100 Watts were significantly lower in cycling with anterior part of the foot than with posterior part of the foot, while RPE in cycling with the posterior part of the foot was significantly lower in comparison to cycling with a knee angle of 120 degrees-125 degrees. Thirty three subjects were able to complete cycling on the load of 125 W with the anterior part of the foot; 28 with the posterior part of the foot and 22 with a knee angle of 120 degrees-125 degrees. It was concluded that cycling, (a) with the anterior part of the foot and the knee almost fully extended, is perceived easier and is more effective; (b) with the posterior part of the foot is tiring and ineffective and (c) with a low height of the saddle affects muscular work negatively.