Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in torque production of an elite cyclist with cerebral palsy (CP) affecting predominantly one side of his body, at a range of cadences typically used during cycling races and training. The participant was a 37 year old male multiple Paralympic gold medallist. The participant performed 3 trials measuring torque on an SRM Ergometer, all at 300 W (±5 W) and at cadences of 70, 100 and 120 rpm (±3). The mean peak torques for the athlete's left and right legs were 25.02 (±1.879) and 44.22 (±4.671) N.m, respectively. A paired sample t-test found a significant difference between the right and left leg across all cadences (70rpm: t(5) = 8.37, p = 0.001; 100 rpm: t(7) = 11.246, p = 0.000; 120 rpm: t(8) = 8.938, p = 0.000). The results demonstrated that the participant experiences significantly reduced torque production during cycling across different cadences as a result of CP. Monitoring of torque production has considerable benefits for specific training and provides both coach and athlete with a useful tool.
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