Physiological and Biomechanical Differences Between Seated and Standing Uphill Cycling

Despite differences in economy, cyclists climb in seated and standing positions. Prompted by gaps in research, we compared VO₂ and heart rate (HR) (Study 1), muscle activation (Study 2) and breathing and pedaling entrainment (Study 3).

Subjects rode their bicycles on a treadmill in seated and standing positions. In Study 1, VO₂ and HR of four male cyclists (21.3 ± 1.7 yrs; 69.1 ± 6 ml/kg/min) were collected, alternating positions every 5 minutes for 20 minutes (8 mph, 8% grade). In Study 2, muscle activations of eight male cyclists (24 ± 5 yrs, 67.6 ± 5.5 ml/kg/min) were collected on Rectus Femoris (RF), Biceps Femoris, Vastus Medialis (VM) and Gastrocnemius alternating positions every minute (8 mph, 8% grade). In Study 3, flow rate and entrainment of nine male cyclists (28 ± 7 yrs, 62.7 ± 7.7 ml/kg/min) were collected in 2-minute stages at 6, 8 and 10 mph, (8% grade) alternating positions every minute.

VO₂ and HR increased standing (3.17± 0.43 L/min, 175 ± 4 bpm) compared to seated (3.06 ± 0.37 L/min, 166 ± 5 bpm) (p < 0.05). Normalized EMG for RF and VM increased standing (47 ± 5%, 57 ± 15%) compared to seated (34 ± 3%, 36 ± 8%) (p < 0.05). Peak Inspiratory and Expiratory Flow increased standing (3.44±0.07 and 2.45±0.05 L/sec) compared to seated (3.09 ±0.06 and 2.21±0.04 L/sec) (p < 0.05).

Uphill cycling while standing results in decreased cycling economy due to physiological and biomechanical variations compared to riding seated.