Friction-loaded cycle ergometers: Past, present and future

The first friction-cycle ergometers of the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the 20th century are presented before the description of more recent ergometers such as Fleisch ergometer (1954), ErgomécaTM (1985), sinusbalance ergometer, and weight-basket loaded ergometer. The limits of each ergometer are debated. The interest of friction-loaded ergometers was renewed with the proposal of different protocols enabling the assessment of maximal power during short all-out sprints on a cycle ergometer. These protocols are succinctly presented: corrected peak power protocol, force-speed test during repeated all-out sprints against different loads, torque–velocity relationship during a single all-out sprint. The different calibration procedures (static, dynamic, and physiological calibrations) of friction-loaded ergometers are described before the presentation of their results in the literature. Some improvements for the future friction-loaded ergometers are presented at the end of the paper. Subjects: Biomechanics and Human Movement Science; Exercise Physiology; Fitness and Training; Medical Technology & Engineering; Physiology of Sport; Sport and Exercise Science; Sports Medicine; Sports Performance Analysis; Sports Technology and Engineering