Maximizing Human Power Output by Suitable Selection of Motion Cycle and Load

Abstract

In this paper various factors affecting human power output are discussed, including the mechanical properties of muscle, the geometry of the input motion and the kinematics of the input motion. A mulitpurpose ergometer, designed and built to take account of these factors is described. Two basic motions are possible on the ergometer: cycling and rowing. The rowing motions may be made with any combination of seat and feet either sliding or fixed. In the rowing motions, during a single to and fro cycle, prescribed variations in velocity of the input links can be forced on a subject. Experimental work, which is described, showed that there are considerable differences in the effectiveness of the various ways of working, and that one in particular, a modified rowing motion, allowed the production of greater average amounts of power for periods up to two minutes than have so far been recorded and published (to the author's knowledge).