KAUTZ, S.A., and R.R. NEPTUNE. Biomechanical determinants of pedaling energetics: Internal and external work are not independent. Exerc. Sport Sci. Rev., Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 159–165, 2002. Simulation analyses of pedaling demonstrate how individual muscle forces act to accelerate and decelerate the leg segments and the crank to perform external work. The work done by the muscles to accelerate the leg segments ultimately drives the pedals because when the legs decelerate, their mechanical energy is used to overcome the external load.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kautz et al. (2002) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: