Short term, isokinetic cycle exercise in females

: Self-funded project with support from the University of Brighton

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to examine the mechanical and physiological muscle power and optimal cadence (Copt) of adolescent and adult females using isokinetic cycle ergometry. The Copt characteristics of 12 adolescent females were determined on an isokinetic cycle ergometer, from seven, 6 s all-out sprints at increments of 10 rev.min-1 from 90-150 rev.min-1. The instantaneous peak power was higher than typically seen in Wingate Anaerobic Test (WanT) studies of adolescent girls of the same age. The mean power for 5 s was similar to traditional WAnT scores for 5 s power and Copt was in the range of Copt previously calculated for adults. Nine female adults were then assessed for individual Copt on the isokinetic cycle ergometer and underwent 4 separate all-out 30 s tests on the isokinetic cycle ergometer and one 30 s test on a Monark cycle ergometer. Two tests were at Copt for test-retest reliability; one at 90 rev.min-1; one at 150 rev.min-1 and one a conventional WAnT. For , peak power, fatigue index and mean power over 30 s, there were no differences between the two tests at Copt, illustrating high reliability. Further, no significant differences were discovered in over all conditions regardless of velocity or protocol. The 150 rev.min-1 condition showed a greater rate of fatigue and lower mean power over 30 s, than all other conditions and had significantly lower peak power than Copt. Peak power was lower in the WAnT compared to Copt condition. These studies illustrate that an isokinetic protocol allows the characteristics of individual power and cadence to be identified. They have extended the understanding of short-term, isokinetic cycle exercise in females, where the highest peak power was achieved at Copt.

Date of Award	2002
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton
Supervisor	Neil Maxwell (Supervisor), Jonathan Doust (Supervisor), Marion Trew (Supervisor) & Craig Williams (Supervisor)