Comparison of forward versus backward pedalling of a stationary recumbent bicycle

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in muscles activation while pedaling a stationary recumbent bicycle forward versus backward. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) was used on the tibialis anterior (tib), vastus lateralis (vas), gastrocnemius lateral head (gas), and biceps femoris long head (fem) on the self-reported dominant leg of each subject for pedaling a stationary recumbent bicycle forward and backward. Statistical significance, at p< 0.05, was found for the activation level of the tibialis anterior and for the contraction duration of the tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris long head.