Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
I think the Pez study I posted answers this question.
Originally Posted by
rubiksoval
No, it doesn't.
"Stomping" simply means more forceful power on the downstroke. It doesn't (and isn't) a jerky, static motion. It's simply how you pedal.
It's an idea to counter the erroneous notion of "equally applying power throughout the pedal stroke", which is impossible.
They said that the pros had lower peak force and power applied at wider range of the pedal circle, relative to the non-pro elites and the amateurs,
so the highest performers "stomped" less.
"Professionals also had tendencies towards a lower maximal torque than elite and club cycles at all three power outputs of 200, 250, and 300 W. combined with the above finding of greater positive force proportion, this suggests that the professional cyclists had a smoother and more even pedal stroke, with less need for a single massive peak burst of torque."
Nobody anywhere near here is talking about equal power throughout the pedal stroke.