BACKGROUND: Non-specific adaptation from training can elicit similar muscle volume and muscle activation between cyclists and triathletes which differ in comparison to non-athletes. OBJECTIVE: To compare muscle volume, muscle activation and pedal forces of cyclists, triathletes and non-athletes. METHODS: Twelve cyclists, ten triathletes and twelve non-athletes performed an incremental test to determine their maximal power output (PO_{MAX} ). Quadriceps and triceps surae volume were estimated from ultrasound images taken at rest, while pedal forces and muscle activation were recorded at PO_{MAX} at 90 rpm. RESULTS: Quadriceps volume was larger in cyclists (~22%, p< 0.04) and triathletes (~40%, p< 0.01) compared to non-athletes. Higher activation of rectus femoris (~55%, p=0.01) and tibialis anterior (~88%, p=0.01) were observed for triathletes compared to non-athletes at the first quarter of the pedaling cycle. Triathletes also showed higher activation for tibialis anterior than cyclists (~68%, p=0.03) at the first quarter. Non-athletes applied greater force on the pedal compared to triathletes at the first quarter (~42%, p< 0.01). Pedal force effectiveness was higher for athletes (37-44%, p< 0.02) compared to non-athletes at the fourth quarter. CONCLUSIONS: Similar muscle volume and muscle activation between cyclists and triathletes may be related to a similar training volume supporting differences relative to non-athletes. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
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