Seated Versus Standing Cycling in Competitive Road Cyclists: Uphill Climbing and Maximal Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

Seven competitive road cyclists (M ± SE = 23.7 ± 1.5 yr, 70.5 ± 1.7 kg) participated to determine the effects of cycling body position on physiological responses during uphill cycling and maximal oxygen uptake [Formula: see text]. There was no significant difference in [Formula: see text] between seated and standing positions on a cycle ergometer (66.4 ± 1.6 vs. 66.4 ± 1.7 ml∙kg−1∙min−1). When the subjects rode their own bicycle on a treadmill, oxygen uptake and heart rate were significantly (p < 0.05) higher during standing when subjects bicycled at 20.0 km∙h−1 (4% grade), but no difference was observed when riding at 12.3 km−1 (10% grade). Leg RPE was significantly (p < 0.05) lower for standing position up a 10% grade. The results suggest that the standing position is less economical during moderate hill climbing, but during steep hill climbing, it results in a decreased sensation of effort in the legs. Key words: bicycling, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion