Accuracy of Cycling Power Meters against a Mathematical Model of Treadmill Cycling

Maier, Thomas; Schmid, Lucas; Müller, Beat; Steiner, Thomas; Wehrlin, Jon Peter (2017). Accuracy of Cycling Power Meters against a Mathematical Model of Treadmill Cycling International Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(6), pp. 456-461. Georg Thieme Verlag 10.1055/s-0043-102945

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The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy among a high number of current mobile cycling power meters used by elite and recreational cyclists against a first principle-based mathematical model of treadmill cycling. 54 power meters from 9 manufacturers used by 32 cyclists were calibrated. While the cyclist coasted downhill on a motorised treadmill, a back-pulling system was adjusted to counter the downhill force. The system was then loaded 3 times with 4 different masses while the cyclist pedalled to keep his position. The mean deviation (trueness) to the model and coefficient of variation (precision) were analysed. The mean deviations of the power meters were –0.9±3.2% (mean±SD) with 6 power meters deviating by more than±5%. The coefficients of variation of the power meters were 1.2±0.9% (mean±SD), with Stages varying more than SRM (p<0.001) and PowerTap (p<0.001). In conclusion, current power meters used by elite and recreational cyclists vary considerably in their trueness; precision is generally high but differs between manufacturers. Calibrating and adjusting the trueness of every power meter against a first principle-based reference is advised for accurate measurements.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	Swiss Federal Institute of Sports Magglingen SFISM > EHSM - Leistungssport > Sportphysiologie Ausdauer
Name:	Maier, Thomas; Schmid, Lucas; Müller, Beat; Steiner, Thomas and Wehrlin, Jon Peter
ISSN:	0172-4622 (Print) 1439-3964 (Onnline)
Publisher:	Georg Thieme Verlag
Language:	English
Submitter:	Service Account
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2021 12:52
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2021 02:18
Publisher DOI:	10.1055/s-0043-102945
Related URLs:	Publication
PubMed ID:	28482367
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dynamic calibration Validity Reliability Measurement error
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.10960
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/10960