The Effects of Different Indoor and Outdoor Cycling Environments on Lower Limb Muscle Activation

• Autores: Wei-Chi Tasi, Yung-Hsiu Tseng, Hsin-Huan Wang, Zi-Jun Lin, Chia-Yi Lu, Chia-Hsiang Chen
• Localización: Journal of Science & Cycling: Breakthroughs in Cycling & Triathlon Sciences, ISSN-e 2254-7053, Vol. 14, Nº. Extra 2, 2025 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Special Issue of the 2025 Science & Cycling Congress | Lille - June)
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This study investigates the effects of different indoor and outdoor cycling environments on lower limb muscle activation. Eighteen female participants performed both indoor and outdoor cycling while a wireless electromyography (EMG) system recorded muscle activation in the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius of the dominant leg. The outdoor route included downhill, flat, and uphill sections, while the indoor setup matched the outdoor gradients and resistance levels. A paired-sample t-test compared muscle activation between conditions. Results showed that rectus femoris and gastrocnemius activation was significantly higher during indoor cycling. These findings suggest that cycling environment influences muscle activation, particularly in the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius, which may have implications for training strategies and performance optimization.