Research in Sport Medicine and Technology

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two pedaling methods on lower limb muscles fatigue
index and muscular activity in road cyclists. For this purpose eight road cyclists participated in two separately
session in laboratory. They were pedaling with pushing technique in first session and circling (pullingpushing)
technique in the other session. Surface electromyography activity of the Rectus Femoris, Vastus
Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosous, Gastrocnemius Medialis, Gastrocnemius
Lateralis and Tibialis Anterior muscles of the subjects were recorded. Each session was performed
according to predetermined protocol until exhaustion. There was a significant difference between pushing
and rest phases during two pedaling techniques with higher muscle activity in pushing technique. Subjects
during circling technique exhausted later. According to the results of this study, the circling technique caused
lower muscle activity consequently, increases gross efficiency. It is recommended that road cyclists utilize
the circling technique.

Take-off is the critical phase of the long jump event. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships
between different variables and success in take-off. 37 trials performed by 8 long jumper, participants in
fourth indoor Asian senior athletics championships held in Tehran, with personal best average of 7.68±0.28
meter were recorded at 300 Hz. Five speed-related, five technical and four strength-related variables as well
as an anthropometric variable were measured using motion analysis software. More gain in vertical velocity
and less loss of horizontal velocity are considered as two criteria of take-off success and their relationships
with other variables were determined through correlation and regression analysis. Significant level of 0.05
was set. Some variables of all four groups were significantly correlated with success criteria. These variables
along with some others were entered in regression equations. The results emphasized on dominant role of
the technique and approach velocity and represented the effect of anthropometric characteristics on success
in takeoff. Furthermore eccentric strength of knee extensors was shown as the main strength factor in this
performance.