And back to the OP's question, we have these studies:
Low-cadence interval training is probably more effective than high-cadence training in improving performance of well-trained competitive cyclists.
Effects of low- vs. high-cadence interval training on cycling performance. - PubMed - NCBI
and
These findings suggest that higher forces during the low-cadence intervals are potentially beneficial to improve performance.
Effects of low and high cadence interval training on power output in flat and uphill cycling time-trials. - PubMed - NCBI
Note that these studies are of cyclists doing intervals at the respiratory compensation point, otherwise known as the anaerobic threshold or VT2. In other studies, no performance increase has been associated with doing low cadence intervals at moderate intensity. It's gotta hurt!