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Dynamics of Revolution Time Variability in Cycling Pattern: Voluntary Intent Can Alter the Long-Range Autocorrelations

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Abstract

Long-range dependency has been found in most rhythmic motor signals. The origin of this property is unknown and largely debated. There is a controversy on the influence of voluntary control induced by requiring a pre-determined pace such as asking subjects to step to a metronome. We studied the cycle duration variability of 15 men pedaling on an ergometer at free pace and at an imposed pace (60 rpm). Revolution time was determined based on accelerometer signals (sample frequency 512 Hz). Revolution time variability was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV). The presence of long-range autocorrelations was based on scaling properties of the series variability (Hurst exponent) and the shape of the power spectral density (α exponent). Mean revolution time was significantly lower at freely chosen cadence, while values of CV were similar between both sessions. Long-range autocorrelations were highlighted in all series of cycling patterns. However, Hurst and α exponents were significantly lower at imposed cadence. This study demonstrates the presence of long-range autocorrelations during cycling and that voluntary intent can modulate the interdependency between consecutive cycles. Therefore, cycling may constitute a powerful paradigm to investigate the influence of central control mechanisms on the long-range interdependency characterizing rhythmic motor tasks.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all of the subjects for participating in this study. Benjamin BOLLENS was supported by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS).

Conflict of interest

None of the authors of this manuscript have a conflict of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate No 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium

    Thibault B. Warlop, Benjamin Bollens & Thierry M. Lejeune

  2. Institute of Neurosciences (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier No 53, 1200, Brussels, Belgium

    Benjamin Bollens, Christine Detrembleur & Thierry M. Lejeune

  3. Laboratory of Integrative Motor Behaviour, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Frédéric Crevecoeur

Authors
  1. Thibault B. Warlop
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  2. Benjamin Bollens
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  3. Frédéric Crevecoeur
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  4. Christine Detrembleur
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  5. Thierry M. Lejeune
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Correspondence to Thierry M. Lejeune.

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Associate Editor Nicholas Stergiou oversaw the review of this article.

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Warlop, T.B., Bollens, B., Crevecoeur, F. et al. Dynamics of Revolution Time Variability in Cycling Pattern: Voluntary Intent Can Alter the Long-Range Autocorrelations. Ann Biomed Eng 41, 1604–1612 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-013-0834-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-013-0834-2

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