The effect of 'Pumping' and 'Non-pumping' techniques on velocity production and muscle activity during field-based BMX cycling.

The aim of the current study was to determine if a technique called 'pumping' had a significant effect on velocity production in BMX cycling. Ten National standard male BMX riders fitted with sEMG sensors completed a timed lap of an indoor BMX track using the technique of pumping, and a lap without pumping. The lap times were recorded for both trials and their surface sEMG recorded to ascertain any variation in muscle activation of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius. The findings revealed no significant differences between any of muscle groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the pumping and non-pumping trials for both mean lap velocity (42 ± 1.8 km.h-1, 33 ± 2.9 km.h-1 respectively) and lap times (43.3 ± 3.1 s, 34.7 ± 1.49 s, respectively).The lap times recorded for the pumping trials were 19.50 ± 4.25 % lower than the non-pumping. Whereas velocity production was 21.81 ± 5.31 % greater in the pumping trial when compared to the non-pumping trial. The technique of pumping contributed significantly to velocity production, though not at the cost of additional muscle activity. From a physiological and technical perspective, coaches and riders should prioritise this technique when devising training regimes.