Figure 9

Resistance vs. Resultant Pedal Force. RPF quantitatively represents the contribution of muscle, inertial and gravitational forces that contribute to contact force measured at the ergometer pedal. [11] The near constant cadence over the first two resistance levels suggests that the inertial forces of the thigh, shank and foot were responsible for maintaining cadence. Additionally, the decrease in hip power absorption at 1/8^th kp possibly translated to an increase in RPF. At 2/8^th kp, the only increase observed was in hip power output. Inertial forces would have decreased due to the decrease in ergometer cadence. The subsequent increase in RPF at this time suggests that the increased muscle forces about the hip are primarily responsible for this change.