Sunday, October 15, 2006

9 What Muscles Are You Using to Pedal?





Source


I also read the book Biomechanics of Sport, by Christopher L. Vaughan and obtained the following neat little table on page 312. EMG analysis of muscles were done in 5 different cycling scenarios and the results show which muscles are used predominantly when.

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9 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:23 AM

    wow, these muscle diagrams of the pedal stroke are really awesome, I've never seen them before. Where did you get them?

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  2. Carpet

    When I posted this I guess I was too young to understand "citation". Now I cant remember where I got them from.

    But my secret is - you got to know and where to find things. :)

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  3. Is this for clipped or unclipped pedaling?

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  4. I've heard (this is just hearsay) that part of the reason the Vastus Medialis looks so developed on cyclists is that it gets pushed outwards by the development of the other quad musculature. I also think it is used when riding out of the saddle.

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  5. Anonymous3:54 PM

    Vastus Medalis is used to a greater extent in the aero-position when compared with the normal upright position. As I understand it, it is taking on some of the role of the glutes putting it's "colour smear" on your image at about 3 o'clock where the rector femoris is taking over. It's the first part of the knee extensor group to become activated

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  6. Anonymous4:57 PM

    It is interesting no mention is made of the lower back muscles that are not evident, but nevertheless very active in pedaling motion. It all starts from the torso.

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  7. Alex Hutchinson10:22 PM

    Hi Ron,

    I notice that you've asked other blogs to link to your blog as the original source of the pedaling muscles figure (e.g. http://onelesscar.wordpress.com/2007/09/01/cycling-muscles/). Did you create the diagram? If not, do you know who did? I'd be interested in tracking the original rights holder to find out more about the data.

    Thanks,
    Alex

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  8. I believe his name was Dr. Stephenson. This was sourced by me quite sometime back so I can't find a website for him. I'm sure he created the diagram from the work of number of other researchers, so as you can note, this is not some secret finding. If I find the website, I'll let you know

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