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Do Non-Circular Chainrings Enhance Cycling Performance? A Systematic Review of Randomized Crossover Trials.
Filipe Maia1, Henrique Sousa1,2, Oscar Garcia-Garcia3
1Research Center in Sports Science, Health Science and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Maia, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal.
Non-circular chainrings do not significantly improve cycling performance or physiological factors in endurance cycling. However, these innovative chainrings may offer benefits for enhancing sprinting capacity in cyclists.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Athletes continually seek novel methods to boost cycling performance.
- Non-circular chainrings are a frequently debated technological innovation in cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the physiological and performance impacts of non-circular chainrings in cyclists.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these chainrings across various athlete levels.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic literature search across major scientific databases.
- Included studies involving recreational to elite cyclists using non-circular chainrings.
- Assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
Main Results:
- Included 18 studies from an initial 291 identified articles.
- Non-circular chainrings did not demonstrate improvements in prolonged cycling performance or physiological variables.
- A potential enhancement in sprinting capacity was observed.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests non-circular chainrings do not benefit endurance cycling performance.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the specific effects on sprinting performance.
- The effectiveness of non-circular chainrings for cyclists remains inconclusive.
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