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Emphasizing one leg facilitates single-leg training using standard cycling equipment.

Trevor J Staples¹, Andréa-Anh Do-Duc¹, Jenna E Link¹

¹University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports

|February 21, 2020

Summary

Single-leg emphasis cycling on standard ergometers allows participants to generate three times more power with one leg. This method closely mimics double-leg cycling biomechanics, offering a practical training alternative.

Keywords:

biomechanics cycling peripheral adaptation rehabilitation small muscle mass

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Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics
Sports Science

Background:

Single-leg cycling is a potent stimulus for muscle respiratory capacity but underutilized due to specialized equipment limitations.
Lack of accessible ergometers hinders the clinical implementation of single-leg cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the feasibility of "single-leg emphasis cycling" using standard cycle ergometers.
To determine if participants can effectively emphasize one leg while de-emphasizing the other on conventional equipment.

Main Methods:

Sixteen athletic participants completed single-leg emphasis cycling and double-leg cycling trials.
Pedal forces and limb kinematics were measured to calculate joint-specific work and power (ankle, knee, hip).

Main Results:

Participants generated approximately three times more power with the emphasized leg during single-leg emphasis cycling.
Ankle and hip/knee extension work during single-leg emphasis cycling did not significantly differ from double-leg cycling.
Minor, significant differences were observed in hip and knee flexion work.

Conclusions:

Single-leg emphasis cycling is a viable, accessible alternative to specialized single-leg ergometers.
This method facilitates improved training for clinical and athletic populations using standard equipment.
The biomechanics closely align with double-leg cycling, ensuring training transferability.