# Power Imbalance - Cramps and Periodisation **URL:** \ **Category:** Training\ **Tags:** power-meter\ **Created:** [February 27, 2023, 11:19pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/power-imbalance-cramps-and-periodisation/81493 "2023-02-27T23:19:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![thomas1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/thomas1/32/94952_2.png) [@thomas1](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/thomas1)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2023, 11:19pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/power-imbalance-cramps-and-periodisation/81493/1 "2023-02-27T23:19:18Z")
Hi, early last year and new to road biking (on a road bike) I tried structured training for the first time. I completed a 12 week block and saw a modest FTP improvement from 258-272, however, I had not yet heard of periodisation and each week was just as hard if not harder than the previous. Subsequently, I was worn out and ended up taking 10 weeks off the bike… When I returned I treated myself to a new Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer and immediately noticed that the Power Output was 13% higher than my single sided Pioneer PM. I now was not sure what FTP to use. Had my previous FTP gains actually peaked 300Watts FTP? Not long after I installed a set of Dual Sided Favero Assioma Power Meters and found that I had a L/R Power imbalance of 55/45 - roughly 13% lower for my right leg. Would this explain the debilitating cramps I seem to suffer at the 2 hours mark on a hard ride? I s my left leg simply pushing the right too hard? What steps can I take to move towards a more even L/R Power Balance? I’m assuming the imbalance is because of a motorcyle accident I suffered many years ago that resulted in a broken Femur… I also suffer from a severe case of varicose veins on my right calf. - not sure if this contributes in anyway. (43 year old Male) ![D07940BD-8D00-413C-B0BC-5FDA6EC6FA2C](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/e/a/ea803f1266b03a1e9447c70201c565b8500ac50b.png) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/e/c/ecd43582ee352493e74b0c3b771479fc1c4f8f1a.png)