Abstract: Objective To explore the optimal pedaling rate in bicycle ergometer exercise. Methods 19 healthy men mean aged 22.8years were instructed to pedal a bicycle ergometer, and their reaction time were measured in pedaling rate of 20 r/min, 40 r/min, 60 r/min, 80r/min, and 100 r/min under the workload of 40 W, 60 W, 80 W, 100 W, and 120 W, respectively. The minimum reaction time was probedwith polynomial regression analysis. Results The minimum probe reaction time was reckoned at 63.5 r/min at 40 W, 58.8 r/min at 60 W,61.3 r/min at 80 W, 63.4 r/min at 100 W, 64.8 r/min at 120 W. Conclusion The optimal pedaling rate was approximately 60 r/min regardlessof workload.

Key words: bicycle ergometer exercise, probe reaction time, optimal pedaling rate