Question from Hans-G. Schwertfeger, Bad Oeynhausen:
I (65) have noticed that my performance has been declining every year for about five years, probably also because of my chronic lung disease (COPD). Should I control my training by pedalling speed or by the amount of force I use? I have the feeling that pedalling more slowly with a little more power is better for me.
Expert adviceThe natural age-related loss of performance is around one per cent per year. Initially, little of this is noticeable, but it becomes most noticeable between the ages of 60 and 70. Lung disease exacerbates this process - especially if it is not treated. The pedalling speed at high frequencies (90 to 110 rpm) is physically and economically more efficient, as the oxygen requirement is slightly higher than at low frequencies (70 to 90 rpm). These frequencies require more strength at the same speed, but the muscle can also recover for longer. In your case, the subjectively better perceived slower cadence is actually more favourable.
Graphic: 2PEAK AG
