Effect of applied cadence in repeated sprint cycling on muscle characteristics

This study aimed to investigate physiological responses, muscle–tendon unit properties of the quadriceps muscle, and mechanical performance after repeated sprint cycling at optimal and 70% of optimal cadence.

Twenty recreational cyclists performed as first sprint performance cycling test and during subsequent sessions two repeated sprint cycling protocols at optimal and 70% of optimal cadence, in random order. The muscle–tendon unit outcome measures on the dominant leg included muscle thickness, fascicle length (L_f), pennation angle (θ_p), and stiffness for the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis muscle (VM) at baseline, immediately after repeated sprint cycling, and 1-h post-exercise.

The results showed an increase in muscle thickness and θ_p in RF, VL, and VM for both cadences from baseline to immediately after exercise. The L_f decreased in RF (both cadences), while stiffness decreased in RF, VL, and VM at optimal cadence, and in VL at 70% of optimal cadence from baseline to immediately after exercise.

The present study revealed that the alterations in muscle characteristics were more marked after repeated sprint cycling at optimal cadence compared with a lower cadence most likely as a result of higher load on the muscle–tendon unit at optimal cadence.