Effect of pedal cadence on physiological and biochemical parameters in healthy men: a pilot study

Abstract

Pedal cadence is an important parameter influencing the efficiency and economy of an athlete’s performance and therefore warrants detailed investigation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pedal cadence on physiological and biochemical indicators in healthy, physically active adult men. The study employed a crossover design and included eight male amateur athletes. Participants completed an incremental cycling test to volitional exhaustion under two cadence protocols: 40 and 90 rpm. The following variables were assessed: oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration. The cadence range of 40 and 90 rpm did not exert a statistically significant effect on power output, oxygen consumption, or heart rate at exhaustion. Blood lactate concentration at exhaustion was higher at a cadence of 90 rpm. Lactate clearance during recovery was also greater at 90 rpm. These findings highlight the role of pedal cadence as a modifying factor of biochemical and physiological responses and may be used to optimize training protocols and assess athletes’ functional status.