Award Date

12-1-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

First Committee Member

John Mercer

Second Committee Member

Julia Freedman Silvernail

Third Committee Member

Tedd Girouard

Fourth Committee Member

Timothy Bungum

Number of Pages

31

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and mechanical comparisons between clipless and flat pedals. Participants (n=4) completed two at-home 20-minute FTP tests: using clipless and flat pedals using Zwift. The order of conditions were randomized for each participant. Participants used their personal Smart Trainers, clipless pedals, and cycling shoes while flat pedals were provided (Syun-LP, Road Bike Platform Pedals). Power, heart rate and cadence were recorded and used for analysis. All dependent variables were compared using paired t-tests. Power was significantly greater for clipless (226.7 ± 46.2 W) vs. flat (215.2 ± 41.8 W) pedals (p < 0.05). Heart rate was significantly greater for flat (138.5 ± 17.4 bpm) vs. clipless (135.2 ± 18.1 bpm) pedals (p < 0.05). However, cadence was not significantly different between clipless (70 ± 8.7 rpm) vs. flat (71.7 ± 13.3 rpm) pedals (p > 0.05). The greater power when using clipless pedals combined with a lower heart rate is an indication that clipless pedals are preferable to flat pedals.

Controlled Subject

Physiology; Mechanics

Disciplines

Kinesiology

File Format

pdf

File Size

987 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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