The Effect of Trunk Angle on Power Production in Cycling

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of three different trunk angles (60, 90, and 120 degrees relative to the ground) on power production of 16 male recreational cyclists (age 20-36 years) when the hip, knee, and ankle angles were controlled. Wingate anaerobic tests were performed on a modified Monark cycle ergometer against a resistance of 85 g/kg of the subjects' body mass (5.0 J/crank rev/kg BM). The order of test conditions was randomly assigned, with a minimum of 24 hr between sessions. A DM MANOVA and post-hoc tests revealed that peak power at the 60 and 90 degree trunk angle was significantly greater than that at the 120 degree angle, and mean power in the 90 degree angle was significantly greater than that at the 120 degree angle. It was concluded that changes in cycling trunk angle may affect peak power and mean power.