Summary
Based on a model consisting of three rigid links, an instantaneous power equation has been deduced for ergometer cycling which shows a causal relationship between power liberated in joint rotation on the one hand and the rate of change of segmental energy plus the power transferred to the pedal on the other. The shape and magnitude of these two types of power have been calculated by measurements of pedal force and cinematographic analysis and the results show fair agreement between them. When cycling at a mean exercise intensity of 340 W at 90 rpm, less than 28 W appears to be lost in the (necessary) changes of segmental energies. It is suggested that power liberated in the joints should be judged as the source of power in the power equation. It is, therefore, proposed that this power should be defined as external power in this and other human movement.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aleshinsky SY (1986a) An energy “sources” and “fractions” approach to the mechanical energy expenditure problem-I. Basic concepts, descriptions of the model, analysis of a one link system movement. J Biomech 19:287–293
Aleshinsky SY (1986b) An energy “sources” and “fractions” approach to the mechanical energy expenditure problem-II. Movement of the multi-link chain model. J Biomech 19:295–300
Aleshinsky SY (1986c) An energy “sources” and “fractions” approach to the mechanical energy expenditure problem-III. Mechanical energy expenditure reduction during one link motion. J Biomech 19:301–306
Aleshinsky SY (1986d) An energy “sources” and “fractions” approach to the mechanical energy expenditure problem-IV. Criticism of the concept of “energy transfers within and between links”. J Biomech 19:307–309
Alexhinsky SY (1986e) An energy “sources” and “fractions” approach to the mechanical energy expenditure problem-V. The mechanical energy expenditure deduction during motion of the multi-link system. J Biomech 19:311–315
Aleshinsky SY, Zatsiorsky VM (1978) Human locomotion in, space analysed biomechanically through a multi-link chain model. J Biomech 11:101–108
Alexander RMcN (1980) The mechanics of walking. In: Elder HY, Trueman ER (eds) Aspects of animal movement. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Andrews JG (1987) The functional roles of the hamstrings and quadriceps during cycling: Lombard's paradox revisited. J Biomech 20:565–575
Bobbert MF, van Ingen Schenau GJ (1988) Coordination in vertical jumping. J Biomech 21:249–262
Cavagna GA, Margaria R (1966) Mechanics of walking. J Appl Physiol 21:271–278
Cavagna GA, Kaneko M (1977) Mechanical work and efficiency in level walking and running. J Physiol 268:467–481
Cavanagh PR, Kram R (1985) The efficiency of human movement — a statement of a problem. Med Sci Sports Exerc 17:304–308
Cavagna GA, Thijs H, Zamboni A (1976) The sources of external work in level walking and running. J Physiol 262:639–657
Curtin NA, Davies RE (1974) Very high tension with very little ATP breakdown by active skeletal muscle. J Mechanochem Cell Motil 3:147–154
Dempster W (1955) Space requirements of the seated operator. USAF, WADC, Technical Report:55–159 Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
di Prampero PE (1986) The energy cost of human locomotion on land and in water. Int J Sports Med 7:55–72.
di Prampero PE, Cortilli G, Celentano F, Saibene F (1971) Physiological aspects of rowing. J Appl Physiol 31:853–857
di Prampero PE, Mognoni D, Saibene F (1979) Internal power in cycling. Experientia 35:925
Elftman H (1939a) Forces and energy changes in the leg during walking. Am J Physiol 125:339–356
Elftman H (1939b) The function of muscles in locomotion. Am J Physiol 125:357–366
Ericson MG, Bratt A, Nisell R, Arborelius NP, Ekblom J (1986) Power output and work in different muscle groups during ergometer cycling. Eur J Appl Physiol 55:229–235
Fenn WO (1930a) Frictional and kinetic factors in the work of sprint running. Am J Physiol 92:583–611
Fenn WO (1930b) Work against gravity and work due to velocity changes in running. Am J Physiol 93:433–462
Gregor RJ, Cavanagh PR, Lafortune M (1985) Knee flexor moments during propulsion in cycling — a creative solution to Lombard's Paradox. J Biomech 18:307–316
Hamley EJ, Thomas V (1968) Physiological and postural factors in the calibration of the bicycle ergometer. J Physiol 191:55–57
Ingen Schenau GJ van (1982) The influence of air friction in speed skating. J Biomech 15:449–458
Ingen Schenau GJ van (1988) Cycle power: a predictive model. Endeavour 12:44–47
Ingen Schenau GJ van (1989a) From rotation to translation. Constraints in multi-joint movements and the unique action of biarticular muscles. Hum Movement Sci 8:301–337
Ingen Schenau GJ van (1989b) From rotation to translation: implications for theories of motor control. Hum Movement Sci 8:423–442
Ingen Schenau GJ van, Cavanagh PR (1990) Power equations in endurance sports. J Biomech (in press)
Ingen Schenau GJ van, Bobbert MF, Rozendal RH (1987) The unique role of bi-articular muscles in complex movements. J Anat 155:1–5
Meriam JL (1975) Statics. Wiley, New York
Nordeen-Snyder KS (1977) The effect of bicycle seat height variation upon oxygen consumption and lower limb kinematics. Med Sci Sports 2:113–117
Norman RW, Sharratt M, Pezzack J, Noble E (1976) A re-examination of the mechanical efficiency of horizontal treadmill running. In: Komi PV (ed) Biomechanics V-B. University Park Press, Baltimore, 87–93
Robertson DE, Winter DA (1980) Mechanical energy generation, absorption and transfer amongst segments during walking. J Biomech 13:845–854
Stainsby WN, Gladden LB, Barclay JK, Wilson BA (1980) Exercise efficiency: validity of base-line subtractions. J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol 48:518–522
Webb P, Saris WHM, Schoffelen PFM, Ingen Schenau GJ van, ten Hoor F (1988) The work in walking: a calorimetric study. Med Sci Sports Exerc 20:331–337
Wells R, Morrissey M, Hughson R (1986) Internal work and physiological responses during concentric and eccentric cycle ergometry. Eur J Appl Physiol 55:295–301
Williams KR (1985) The relationship between mechanical and physiological energy estimates. Med Sci Sports Exerc 17:317–325
Williams KR, Cavanagh PR (1983) A model for the calculation of mechanical power during distance running. J Biomech 26:115–128
Winter DA (1978) Calculation and interpretation of mechanical energy of movement. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 6:183–201
Winter DA (1979) A new definition of mechanical work done in human movement. J Appl Physiol 46:79–83
Winter DA (1983) Moments of force and mechanical power in jogging. J Biomech 16:91–97
Winter DA, Robertson DGE (1978) Joint torque and energy patterns in normal gait. Biol Cybern 29:137–142
Zatsiorsky VM, Aleshinsky SY, Yakuniu NA (1982) Biomechanical basis of endurance (in Russian). Physical Culture and Sport, Moscow
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
van Ingen Schenau, G.J., van Woensel, W.W.L.M., Boots, P.J.M. et al. Determination and interpretation of mechanical power in human movement: application to ergometer cycling. Eur J Appl Physiol 61, 11–19 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00236687
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00236687