Physiological and Biomechanical Responses to Indoor Cycling with and without the Ability to Sway

The purpose of this study was to understand whether or not physiological and biomechanical measures were influenced by cycling sway and intensity. Participants (n=13; 24.9±6.5 years; 1.7±0.1 m; 64.7±11.2 kg) completed two submaximal-effort cycling conditions using a stationary smart bike placed on a rocker board: 1) cycling with the rocker board set to allow sway (unblocked); 2) cycling with blocks placed in the rocker board to prevent sway (blocked). The order conditions were counterbalanced, and each condition was 12-mins. For each condition, four intensity levels were completed. Prior to testing, target power was identified for each Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) level (11, 13, 16, 17). Rate of oxygen consumption (V^·O₂; ml·kg^-1·min^-1) was measured using a metabolic cart (1 sample every 5 sec) along with RPE and heart rate (HR). Cadence, speed, and power were measured via the smart bike interface for each condition. Sway was measured using a custom rotary switch that measured (250 Hz) the angle of the rocker board while cycling. Each dependent variable was compared using a 2 (Condition: blocked, unblocked) x 4 (Intensity) repeated measures ANOVA. For sway, V^·O₂, HR, speed, and cadence, there was no interaction between Condition and Intensity (p>0.05). Sway was influenced by the main effect of Condition (p<0.001). V^·O₂, HR, and speed were each influenced by the main effect of Intensity (p<0.001). Overall, it was determined that participants did sway when there was the potential to sway; however, physiological or biomechanical measures were not influenced by the ability to sway.