The Effects of Augmented Feedback Training in Cadence Acquisition

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to determine the optimal cadence of individuals and to subsequently determine the effectiveness of the augmented feedback training program on cadence technique modification. Eighteen physically active subjects, 14 males and 4 females who are aged 18 to 23, were the volunteer subjects of the study. Each subject performed three sessions of exercise in a random order at the cadences of 60, 70, and 80 revolutions per minute (rpm). Myoelectric signals from the vastus lateralis muscle were recorded during the criterion exercise to determine the optimal cadence of individual subjects. They also participated in a 10-day cadence training program, during which the augmented feedback group was provided with cadence information, while the control group trained without the feedback. The time percentage of cadence error that deviated from the optimal cadence in the augmented feedback group was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after 10 days of training, and the same result was shown in the retention test.

Keywords:

• electromyography
• kinematics
• learning
• pedaling rate
• retention

The authors express their gratitude to Dr. Zhou Shi for his thorough review of the manuscript.