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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
Quantifying the hip-ankle synergy in short-term maximal cycling
Louise Burnie1, Paul Barratt2, Keith Davids3
1Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK; Biomechanics, English Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.
This study experimentally investigated the hip-ankle synergy during maximal cycling sprints. Findings show that hip and ankle joints work together during the downstroke, with hip dominance observed at high pedaling rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Sports Science
Background:
- Simulation studies suggest a hip-ankle synergy in cycling for efficient power transfer.
- Experimental evidence for this synergy during maximal cycling is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally quantify the hip-ankle moment synergy during the downstroke in maximal cycling sprints.
- To investigate the influence of high pedaling rates on this synergy.
Main Methods:
- A modified vector coding technique was applied to quantify hip-ankle moment synergy.
- Twelve track sprint cyclists performed maximal seated sprints at 135 rpm.
- Joint moments were calculated using inverse dynamics from pedal forces and limb kinematics.
Main Results:
- Hip and ankle moments were found to be in-phase for 28.8% of the downstroke, supporting synergistic action.
- At 135 rpm, hip-dominant action was most frequent (42.5%), significantly differing from other phases.
- The modified vector coding method proved effective for quantifying hip-ankle synergy.
Conclusions:
- The study provides experimental support for the existence of a hip-ankle synergy during the cycling downstroke.
- Hip dominance is a key characteristic of maximal cycling at high pedaling rates.
- The employed method offers a promising approach for future research on cycling biomechanics.
