Originally posted at Rocket Bicycle Studio

Motion Analysis via Leomo Type-R

By: Jessica Laufenberg, MA

Recently I spent some time over at Saris to collect motion data for a rider training on the H3. For the first half of the session we set the H3 on the new MP1 Nfinity Platform. The other half of the session we set the H3 on the floor. During our session together we completed a solid warm-up and followed a modified version of a testing protocol (from Hunter Allen) that included sets of 70% and 100% FTP at 80 and 100 RPM’s. We also included climbing sets, seated climbing sets and sprints. What does the data show us about training on a trainer that simulates outdoor riding, indoors?

The TYPE-R collects enough data to keep one busy for a few weeks. However, I decided to focus on a few points in my analysis about riding an H3 on the new MP1 Nfinity Platform versus the H3 standing alone on the floor.

For today’s analysis I will be focusing on three data points : WAIST-AccX (this is acceleration data collected in the X coordinate plane) and L and R KNEE H-Angle (in this situation I am looking at how the knee moves laterally in conjunction with the pelvis and how stable it is). When looking at the photos below, focus on the overall view of the data collection and what it represents. I will comment on the data points and summarize the outcome. My goal is to provide information about how riding on a platform that moves “with you” versus holding you in place via the floor.

My rider for today rides 5-6 days a week and races year round in endurance cycling events (many 100+ miles). He also carries a history of sciatica. I will use this background for some points in my analysis.

 

 

100 RPM @ 100% FTP (3 x 1 Minute Pieces)

H3 on floor : 100 RPM @ 100% FTP

 

H3 on MP1 : 100 RPM @ 100% FTP

 

When looking at the R KNEE H-Angle you will see a lot of motion at the top of the waves. This is demonstrating the instability he has in his lower back and SI joint. Under load the rider’s motion is accentuated when riding on the MP1 Platform than on the floor. With the sciatica he has, it is a chicken or the egg situation. Is his poor motion causing the sciatica or is the sciatica causing the poor motion (as he is trying to avoid “poking the bear” while riding).

There is the further discussion if the crank arm length he is riding is too long (which can create instability at the top and bottom of the pedal stroke, cause the pelvis to sit off-center and thus pronounce the motion of the pelvis and knees).

Take away on this data point is that the MP1 Platform allows for more free motion to show off instabilities in the riders motion.

 

 

H3 on floor : WAIST -AccX : stable instability

 

H3 on MP1 platform : WAIST -AccX : unstable instability

 

Consistent instability versus variable instability. Looking at the two visuals above we see that while riding at high intensities the H3 sitting on the floor creates more stability and does not show the instability in the pelvis motion as much as the H3 sitting on the MP1 Platform. I would also say there is a smoother motion while on the MP1 Platform allowing the body to not “stop” due to the trainer being static on the floor allowing for less of a deceleration in motion.

 

 

SEATED CLIMB AT 120% FTP

H3 on floor : L and R KNEE H-Angle

 

H3 on MP1 Platform : L and R Knee H-Angle

 

Interesting to look at the seated climb effort for the rider. All data points collected shows the instability that the rider has in his pelvis and pedaling motion. However, when the rider is asked to complete a seated climb (approximately 120% FTP effort) the H3 on the floor provided more stability for his pelvis and knee motion. When he is completing the same effort on the MP1 Platform you can see that the instability of his pedaling begins to show in the wave for his R KNEE (look at the peaks of this frame in the images above).

 

 

H3 on floor : WAIST -AccX

 

H3 on MP1 Platform : WAIST -AccX

 

Visually overall there seems to not be much difference in waist acceleration between the platform and floor. However, acceleration is measured in G’s and there is a bit more acceleration occurring on the platform, which would make sense as the platform as the ability to “move” with the rider (especially under load).

 

 

 

SPRINT FOR THE CITY LIMIT SIGN

H3 on floor : L and R KNEE H-Angle

 

H3 on MP1 Platform : L and R KNEE H-Angle

 

Here is where the platform shows off. The motion of the platform really allows the body to move as it would out on the road. You can train the body for the work it is going to do. However it does really show off instabilities. You can see the extra motion created by the pelvis and knees while accelerating towards the finish.

 

 

H3 on floor : WAIST -AccX

 

H3 on MP1 Platform : WAIST -AccX

 

Taking a look at the WAIST -AccX shows two very different views. With the MP1 platform there seems to be a longer “wave” as the body rocks side to side in and out of acceleration. With the H3 on the floor the body hits a “stop” and bounces right back into the other side. There is less fluidity in the body moving from side to side. One may say the visual of being on the H3 on the floor looks visually better, smoother and cleaner; however in my eyes, I see smoother waves as the body moves through the sprinting motion.

 

 

SO, WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

My conclusion about what the MP1 Platform can do for your training schedule is multi-fold.

One : The MP1 Nfinity platform allows the rider to ride more true to their own cycling form. This can be good and bad. If muscle balance is good with a proper fit, the rider can benefit from the platform. If there is injury, poor biomechanics or an improper fit, the platform can accentuate these. Adding the MP1 Platform is a great tool, however ensure you are properly lined up with a great fit and protocols to avoid injury (form education, corrective exercises, stretching and strength training).

Two : Training on the MP1 Platform can increase muscular stabilization. For example, for the rider looking to focus on high-end efforts, sprints and anaerobic power increases, the platform will provide the instability needed to increase neurologic strength (like getting out of the saddle).

Three : Neurologic strength is the foundation of any sport. Basically, you cannot build a castle on sand. The MP1 Platform can be a part of your foundation for training to build the best cycling house one can.

Four : SAID Principle = Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand. To get better at anything, one must be uncomfortable to adapt to something new. The motion provided by the MP1 Nfinity platform allows a more fluid environment for the avid cyclist to achieve the gains they might need to close the gap on that next PR.