Author(s): CHEN, M., LEE, Y., SHIANG, T., FUCHS, P.X., Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 273

INTRODUCTION:
Posture, cadence, and resistance affect cycling performance and physiological responses. Aerodynamic dropped postures reduce comfort [1] and increase metabolic cost, specifically oxygen uptake (VO2) [2] and heart rate (HR) [3]. Therefore, many recreational cyclists and rehabilitation patients favor more upright positions. However, the physiological effects of posture adjustments within an upright cycling range remain insufficiently explored. Furthermore, it is unclear how posture-related effects on VO2, HR, and perceived comfort interact with cadence and resistance. This study aimed to clarify these main and interaction effects to optimize training prescription, load management, and rider comfort.
METHODS:
In a randomized, repeated-measures design, 19 physically active adults completed 18 randomized cycling bouts on an indoor bicycle trainer. The protocol combined three postures (upright, neutral, inclined), three cadences (slow, self-selected, fast), and two resistance levels (heavy, light). VO2 (METAMAX® 3B), HR (Polar H10), and perceived comfort (analogue scale) were recorded for each bout. Repeated-measures ANOVA examined the effects of posture, cadence, resistance, and sex on VO2, HR, and perceived comfort at α=.05.
RESULTS:
Posture alone did not influence VO2, HR, or comfort (p=.122–.639, pη2=.035–.129). Higher cadence increased VO2 (p<.001, pη2=.560) and HR (p<.001, pη2=.647). Heavy resistance increased VO2 (p<.001, pη2=.897) and HR (p<.001, pη2=.846) and reduced comfort (p<.001, pη2=.498). Females exhibited higher HR than males (p=.018, pη2=.212). Interaction effects appeared for VO2, HR, and comfort, involving various combinations of posture, cadence, resistance, and sex (p<.05, pη2 =.131–.167).
CONCLUSION:
The presence of complex interaction effects, particularly those modulated by sex, indicates that health professionals and coaches should adopt a holistic approach when developing cycling protocols. Although cadence and resistance are the primary drivers of training stimuli, posture adjustments are recommended to accommodate specific physiological demands and maintain rider comfort. These findings highlight the importance of individualized ergonomic setups and careful consideration when adjusting interacting parameters. Future research should investigate the long-term implications of these interactions on cycling performance and musculoskeletal health.
REFERENCES:
1. Encarnación-Martíne, Rizo-Albero, Pérez-Soriano. (2025). Sci Report, 15(1), 24541.
2. Ashe, Scroop, Frisken, Amery, Wilkins, Khan. (2003). British J Sports Med, 37(5), 441–444.
3. Charlton, Ramsook, Mitchell, Hunt, Puyat, Guenette. (2017). Med Sci Sports Exerc, 49(12), 2578–2584.