How is the energy consumption taken into account in the ergomo®?
Although energy can only be transformed it is common to speak of energy consumption. Energy consumption shows the amount of energy an athlete is spending. In this connection 1 kcal (Kilocalorie) corresponds with 4.1868 kJ (Kilojoule). The kJ displayed by the ergomo® computer corresponds with the performed work. (work = power output x time). A calculation example of the ergomo®: 1420 kJ of performed work equals 346 kcal (1420kcal/ 4.1868). In order to perform that work the body actually needs more energy because it is not able to use all available energy for cycling. Only about 22% of available energy is used for cycling. The remaining 78% is consumed for metabolic reactions and transpiration. So, to perform the work that requires 1420 kJ an athlete has to ingest 1570 kcal by eating and drinking. The kilojoules show what the body consumed to fuel the performance while the kilocalories indicate how much fuel has to be ingested to replace the spent fuel.
