Bike Fitting Research Articles

Road bike cycling and lower back pain - a literature review

Introduction and Purpose This literature review endeavors to provide a current synthesis of the available literature regarding the relationship between road bike cycling and lower back pain (LBP). This review focuses on the aspects of bike fitting, riding position, preexisting LBP, cycling injuries and predisposing risk factors among others. Brief Description of the State of KnowledgeRoad bike cycling is a popular sport considered to be low-impact physically and easy to start with. So goes the proverb - „it’s as easy as riding a bike”. However the truth may be more complicated. There are many positive effects associated with this sport, such as overall health improvement and the ecological impact, and they are generally well-researched. However it is more difficult to find data regarding the dangers. Improper training program, incorrect bike fit or suboptimal riding position are all factors that can lead to lower back pain (LBP) connected with road bike cycling. Previous injuries and spine health should also be taken into account. Summary In consideration of the gathered evidence it is important to consider the above-mentioned interventions to prevent or stop lower back pain (LBP) from emerging. This literature review struggles to provide a starting point for both cyclists and physicians alike who encounter such a problem. The bike fit, adjusting the bike in accordance with the body of the cyclist, analyzing the cycling position and the training program should be principal points to provide for a pain-free road bike cycling. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of such actions and their ability to prevent or stop LBP while/after road bike cycling.

Toward painless road-cycling for women: Innovative pressure distribution through lattice-based seat pads

Potential health risks for male athletes in professional road cycling are numerously investigated. For female athletes, necessary information is missing and thus there is a lack of equipment meeting their specific needs. The different pelvic anatomy of women compared to men suggests different saddle designs, different cycling short pads, and even different types of material to avoid pain and health problems. To collect data for a systematic development of pads specifically for women, we performed a study with 29 ambitious female athletes, who road cycle long distances (>90 min) at least once a week. First, we documented each athlete’s recent cycling situation, including the perceived comfort, grievances and the equipment used. Second, molds of the pelvis-saddle interfaces were generated using a previously developed measurement saddle to analyze pressure distributions during both static and dynamic loading. Measures were taken using the idmatch system following a bike fitting, which suggested a bicycle setup incorporating, among other factors, the individual athlete’s anthropometric data. Molds were subsequently digitized with a calibrated 3D scanner. Third, the digital pressure data resulting from the molds was analyzed considering its ability to represent interindividual differences, which validated the developed measurement saddle. Finally, a novel lattice-based pad prototype was designed based on the measured pressure data. Finite element analyses (FEA) were carried out to observe mechanical loads in the lattice structure and enable an optimization of the design. The prototype was additively manufactured using stereolithography (SLA).

Bicycle Set-Up Dimensions and Cycling Kinematics: A Consensus Statement Using Delphi Methodology

AbstractBicycle set-up dimensions and cycling kinematic data are important components of bicycle fitting and cyclist testing protocols. However, there are no guidelines on how bicycles should be measured and how kinematic data should be collected to increase the reliability of outcomes. This article proposes a consensus regarding bicycle set-up dimensions and recommendations for collecting cycling-related kinematic data. Four core members recruited panellists, prepared the document to review in each round for panellists, analysed the scores and comments of the expert panellists, reported the decisions and communicated with panellists. Fourteen experts with experience in research involving cycling kinematics and/or bicycle fitting agreed to participate as panellists. An initial list of 17 statements was proposed, rated using a five-point Likert scale and commented on by panellists in three rounds of anonymous surveys following a Delphi procedure. The consensus was agreed upon when more than 80% of the panellists scored the statement with values of 4 and 5 (moderately and strongly agree) with an interquartile range of less than or equal to 1. A consensus was achieved for eight statements addressing bicycle set-up dimensions (e.g. saddle height, saddle setback, etc.) and nine statements for cycling kinematic assessment (e.g. kinematic method, two-dimensional methodology, etc.). This consensus statement provides a list of recommendations about how bicycle set-up dimensions should be measured and the best practices for collecting cycling kinematic data. These recommendations should improve the transparency, reproducibility, standardisation and interpretation of bicycle measurements and cycling kinematic data for researchers, bicycle fitters and cycling related practitioners.

BIOMEHANICAL AND POSTURAL EVALUATION OF OPTIMAL BIKE FIT FOR NON-TRAUMATIC INJURY PREVENTION AMONG CYCLISTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

This review article assesses the evidence for the efficacy of bike fit and its impact on cyclist’s posture in averting overuse injuries in cycling and provides a summary of research using a biomechanical approach to give evaluations of joint kinematics, kinetics, or muscle activity. Databases were searched for published material like Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between 1980 and 2023. Posture, bike fit, and biomechanics of cycling were few keywords used. Twenty-four published articles were included in this review. Clearance of 1–2 inches should be present between the ground and tyres when the bike is lifted while straddling it, for straight and parallel to ground top tubes and sloping top tubes, respectively. Handlebar height should be 1–2 inches below the top of the saddle. The reach of the handlebars should be measured by placing an elbow on the tip of saddle and extended fingers should touch the transverse part of the handlebars. The ball of foot should sit over the pedal axis. In cyclist’s seated position, the knee flexion angle of the extended leg at 6 o’clock position should be 25–30[Formula: see text]. With pedals at 3 and 9 o’clock, the front of the patella should be directly in line with the front of the crank arm. About 10 to 15[Formula: see text] anterior saddle tilt significantly reduces low back discomfort.

Using Machine-Learning Technology to Implement a Nonhardware and Inexpensive Posture Detection System for Analyzing Body Posture Angles in Front Crawl Swimming

<p>Swimming is a sport that relies heavily on motor skills. Inability to maintain adequate bodily balance in water prevents swimmers from remaining afloat and propelling themselves. Due to the difficulty of attaching reflective stickers or LED (light-emitting diode) emitters to the body while adjusting the swimming posture, it is not possible to capture the posture like during a bicycle fitting; the refraction of water also affects the detection of the body’s posture. Addressing the shortcomings, this study developed a low-cost nonhardware posture detection system based on machine-learning models in MediaPipe. The system provides real-time and post analyses of posture angles and posture lines during front crawl swimming, thereby facilitating observation of the relationship between angle at which the arm enters the water and the body horizon. Two participants practicing front crawl were invited to test the proposed system. The experimental results confirmed that the proposed system provides effective detection and analyses of posture lines and angles in swimmers. The study also proposed the algorithm for optimizing posture angle detection to solve the problems of posture line distortion and angle calculation errors that arise when MediaPipe was used to detect a human skeleton above a water line. The system does not require the installation of hardware and is inexpensive to deploy, and it can be widely applied in front crawl swimming lessons to help learners adjust their arm’s entry angle and body horizon to reduce forward drag and increase speed.</p> <p> </p>

Effects of workload and saddle height on muscle activation of the lower limb during cycling.

Cycling workload is an essential factor in practical cycling training. Saddle height is the most studied topic in bike fitting, but the results are controversial. This study aims to investigate the effects of workload and saddle height on the activation level and coordination of the lower limb muscles during cycling. Eighteen healthy male participants with recreational cycling experience performed 15 × 2-min constant cadence cycling at five saddle heights of 95%, 97%, 100%, 103%, and 105% of greater trochanter height (GTH) and three cycling workloads of 25%, 50%, and 75% of functional threshold power (FTP). The EMG signals of the rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the right lower limb were collected throughout the experiment. Greater muscle activation was observed for the RF and BF at a higher cycling workload, whereas no differences were observed for the TA and MG. The MG showed intensified muscle activation as the saddle height increased. The mean and maximum amplitudes of the EMG signals of the MG increased by 56.24% and 57.24% at the 25% FTP workload, 102.71% and 126.95% at the 50% FTP workload, and 84.27% and 53.81% at the 75% FTP workload, respectively, when the saddle height increased from 95 to 100% of the GTH. The muscle activation level of the RF was minimal at 100% GTH saddle height. The onset and offset timing revealed few significant differences across cycling conditions. Muscle activation of the RF and BF was affected by cycling workload, while that of the MG was affected by saddle height. The 100% GTH is probably the appropriate saddle height for most cyclists. There was little statistical difference in muscle activation duration, which might be related to the small workload.

Alternative Models for Pelvic Marker Occlusion in Cycling.

Bike fitting aims to optimize riders' positions to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. To calculate joint angles, the location of the joint centers of the lower limbs needs to be identified. However, one of the greatest difficulties is the location of the hip joint center due to the frequent occlusion of the anterior superior iliac spine markers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate a biomechanical model adapted to cycling (modified pelvic model, MPM), based on the traditional pelvic model (TPM) with an additional lateral technical marker placed on the iliac crests. MPM was also compared with a widely used model in cycling, trochanter model (TM). Thirty-one recreational cyclists pedaled on a roller bike while the movement was captured with a 7-camera VICON system. The position of the hip joint center and knee angle were calculated and compared with the TPM continuously (along 10 pedaling cycles) and discreetly at 90° and 180° crank positions. No significant differences were found in the position of the hip joint center or in the knee flexion/extension angle between the TPM and the MPM. However, there are differences between TPM and TM (variations between 4.1° and 6.9° in favor of the TM at 90° and 180°; P < .001). Bland-Altman graphs comparing the models show an average difference or bias close to 0° (limits of agreement [0.2 to -8.5]) between TPM and MPM in both lower limbs and a mean difference of between -4° and -7° (limits of agreement [-0.6 to -13.2]) when comparing TPM and TM. Given the results, the new cycling pelvic model has proven to be valid compared with the TPM when performing bike fitting studies, with the advantage that the occluded markers are avoided. Despite its simplicity, the TM presents measurement errors that may be relevant when making diagnoses, which makes its usefulness questionable.

Gender differences in cycling motions: On objective functions for urban cycling

AbstractSocietal challenges such as climate change and the energy crisis are putting bicycles at the centre of many people's mobility considerations ‐ but not all. In addition to the need for improved infrastructure, stability and comfort when cycling also play a major role. Simulations offer the possibility to investigate the influence of biometric differences on comfort and stability more cost‐effectively than the measurement methods currently used for bike fitting. Bicycle dynamics and multibody simulation of cycling motions have been the subject of research for a long time. Often data‐driven models are used that follow pre‐established measurement data. Moreover, optimal control simulations for competitive sports are available, where for example, the travel distance during a given time is maximised. However, such models are usually based on the biometric data of an average 18–25 year old male, while the influence of gender differences on cycling motions are rarely explored. Yielding towards closing this gender data gap, we use a discrete mechanics and optimal control framework (DMOCC), which benefits from its structure preserving formulation and has been successfully used for biomechanical applications before. The implemented multibody model of a leg performing a cycling motion can be adapted to individual 3D scans via the geometry parameters and the bounds on the joint angles and torques, providing the possibility to investigate the influence of biometric diversity on the resulting motions. In this first approach, we discuss several possibilities to formulate appropriate objective functions for cycling. The final aim of this study is to supplement a given bike frame by software chosen adaptations so that it optimally fits to individual biometric conditions, thus increasing comfort, the sense of safety and performance, which ultimately enables greater participation in the mobility transition for women, children, and seniors.

Analysis of Movement Variability in Cycling: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest repeatability of Blue Trident inertial measurement units (IMUs) and VICON Nexus kinematic modelling in analysing the Lyapunov Exponent (LyE) during a maximal effort 4000 m cycling bout in different body segments/joints. An additional aim was to determine if changes in the LyE existed across a trial. Twelve novice cyclists completed four sessions of cycling; one was a familiarisation session to determine a bike fit and become better accustomed to the time trial position and pacing of a 4000 m effort. IMUs were attached to the head, thorax, pelvis and left and right shanks to analyse segment accelerations, respectively, and reflective markers were attached to the participant to analyse neck, thorax, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle segment/joint angular kinematics, respectively. Both the IMU and VICON Nexus test-retest repeatability ranged from poor to excellent at the different sites. In each session, the head and thorax IMU acceleration LyE increased across the bout, whilst pelvic and shank acceleration remained consistent. Differences across sessions were evident in VICON Nexus segment/joint angular kinematics, but no consistent trend existed. The improved reliability and the ability to identify a consistent trend in performance, combined with their improved portability and reduced cost, advocate for the use of IMUs in analysing movement variability in cycling. However, additional research is required to determine the applicability of analysing movement variability during cycling.

The Importance of Communication During a Bike Fit: A Call for Research

Bike fitting is a rapidly developing profession in the field of sport and well-being. The profession is governed by the International Bike Fitting Institute, which recently announced the creation of a common education syllabus. Although this is a positive step forward, to ensure the integrity of the profession, it is important that the content of the syllabus be evidence based. This, however, may prove challenging as there is currently a paucity of research regarding certain aspects of the bike-fitting role. One area that appears to have been largely neglected is the relationship and importance of communication between the bike fitter and client. This scholarly commentary presents research from other professions that demonstrates both the importance of this omission and the necessity to include training on communication and interpersonal skills in the International Bike Fitting Institute’s proposed education provision.

Inertial Measurement Units’ Reliability for Measuring Knee Joint Angle during Road Cycling

We explore the reliability of joint angles in road cycling obtained using inertial measurement units. The considered method relies on 3D accelerometer and gyroscope measurements obtained from two such units, appropriately attached to two adjacent body parts, measuring the angle of the connecting joint. We investigate the effects of applying a simple drift compensation technique and an error-state Kalman filter. We consider the knee joint angle in particular, and conduct two measurement trials, a 5 and a 20 minute one, for seven subjects, in a closed, supervised laboratory environment and use optical motion tracking system measurements as reference. As expected from an adaptive solution, the Kalman filter gives more stable results. The root mean square errors per pedalling cycle are below 3.2°, for both trials and for all subjects, implying that inertial measurement units are not only reliable for short measurements, as is usually assumed, but can be reliably used for longer measurements as well. Considering the accuracy of the results, the presented method can be reasonably extended to open, unsupervised environments and other joint angles. Implementing the presented method supports the development of cheaper and more efficient monitoring equipment, as opposed to using expensive motion tracking systems. Consequently, cyclists can have an affordable way of position tracking, leading to not only better bicycle fitting, but to the avoidance and prevention of certain injuries as well.

DOR LOMBAR E ALTERAÇÕES DO POSICIONAMENTO ARTICULAR EM CICLISTAS: UM ESTUDO TRANSVERSAL

ABSTRACT Introduction: Low back pain is one of the most common complaints among cyclists. The disharmony of the cyclist-bike combination may be a predisposing factor. Bike Fit is a technique that aims to adjust the bike to the individual characteristics of the cyclist. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the cyclist’s position on the bicycle and the occurrence of complaints of low back pain. Methods: Data obtained during Bike Fit from 62 amateur cyclists were used in the study. Cyclists were filmed during the act of pedaling on a stationary roller and image analysis was performed using Kinovea® software. Data related to complaints of low back pain and positioning on the bicycle were used in the Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 38.06 ± 8.82 years, 87.7% of the sample was composed of men and low back pain was found in 40.3% (25/62) of the participants. Univariate analysis showed a positive correlation between low back pain and the following variables: ankle dorsiflexion angle (X2=6.947, p=0.014) and upper limb reach (X2=5.247; p=0.032). Binary logistic regression showed a positive association between reaching with the upper limbs and low back pain (r=2.728; p=0.002) and a negative association between knee advancement and low back pain (r= -2.281; p=0.007). Conclusion: Cyclists with low back pain present changes in their position on the bicycle, which reinforces the importance of evaluating the cyclist/bike combination. However, it is not possible to state whether the positional changes observed in the study sample are causes or consequences of low back pain. Level of evidence: Level III; Cross-sectional observational study.

Association of Cycling Kinematics With Anterior Knee Pain in Mountain Bike Cyclists.

Comfort and pain in cyclists are often discussed as a result of the posture on the bike, and bike fit, including motion analysis, is advocated as a strategy to minimize these conditions. The relationship between cycling kinematics, comfort, and pain is still debatable. To investigate the association of ankle, knee, and trunk kinematics with the occurrence of anterior knee pain (AKP) in mountain bike cyclists. Cross-sectional study. Fifty cross-country mountain bike cyclists (26 with AKP and 24 without AKP) had their pedaling kinematics assessed. Linear and angular data from trunk, hip, knee, ankle, and foot from cyclists with and without AKP were recorded using Retül motion analysis system. The binary logistic regression model showed that kinematic variables such as peak ankle plantar flexion, peak knee flexion, and forward trunk lean were significant predictors of AKP. Both larger peak plantar flexion and knee flexion decreased the probability of reporting AKP. On the other hand, larger forward trunk lean increased the probability of reporting AKP. Ankle, knee, and trunk sagittal kinematics may predict AKP in cross-country mountain bike cyclists, whereas hip, knee, and ankle alignment in the frontal plane showed no association with occurrence of AKP. In other words, cyclists with larger ankle plantar flexion and knee flexion are less likely to have AKP, whereas those with increased trunk forward lean are more likely to have AKP.

Does the Retül System provide reliable kinematics information for cycling analysis?

The Retül Vantage system is a popular tool to assess dynamic positioning of cyclists. Despite of using a low sampling rate (18 Hz) to record position data, Retül measures shows a moderate to very high correlation with data from gold-standard tridimensional camera systems reaching higher sampling rates, but its reliability has not been tested. Here we assess the reliability of the Retül Vantage system for kinematic assessment of cyclists. This cross-sectional study had two phases. Phase 1 included a survey with certified Retül bike fitters to select the most common variables used in cycling kinematics assessment. Phase 2 involved assessment of the selected cycling kinematics variables to check for intra-examiner reliability. Ten bike fitters answered the online survey (response rate of 47.6%) and 7 variables were identified as the most common to conduct during bike fitting analysis. Then, ten cyclists were submitted to kinematic assessments and Vantage system variables were checked for inter-examiner reliability and standard error of the variables. Good to excellent inter-tester reliability levels were found for all the 7 kinematics variables tested. Standard error of angular variables was lower than 3º for all as well as lower than 5 mm for the linear variable tested. The minimal detectable difference values ranged from 2.15 to 6.55º for angular variables and of 15.51 mm for linear variables. A high and very high degree of intra-rater reliability can be achieved using Retül Vantage system for kinematics assessment of the most common variables included in bike fitting.

Effects of increasing physical load and fatigue on the biomechanics of elite cyclists

In this study, we propose to expand the research on the biomechanics of cycling, including changes caused by riding at different intensity levels and fatigue, similar to training or competition. Six well-trained, experienced male road cyclists (27.17 ± 3.89 years; 180.41 ± 5.31 cm; 75.23 ± 4.91 kg) with 8.3 ± 4.85 years of (professional) experience in road cycling underwent a lactate test, starting with 100 W and an increment of 20 W every 3 minutes until total exhaustion. Afterward, subjects drove an increment of 50 W every 3 minutes, starting again with 100 W and ending with 250 W (post-test). Changes in position were recorded via 2D video analysis. We found that with higher power output relative to the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), the joint angles changed. No significant differences were present for the pre–post comparisons of the examined angles, which should map the influence of fatigue (p &gt; .05). Future research should try to observe cycling movement in more realistic settings, such as cycling-specific fatigue or during an outdoor ride, as the biomechanics under these conditions are of particularly high relevance for the athletes. Overall, the results suggest performing bike fitting more individually and in more realistic situations or setting.

Effectiveness of a 3D bikefitting method in riding pain, fatigue, and comfort: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT To investigate the effects of bike fitting compared to qualitative-based riding posture recommendations on comfort, fatigue, and pain in amateur cyclists. This was a randomised controlled parallel trial of 162 amateur cyclists divided into two groups: bike fitting group (BFG) – participants received a bike fitting session based on 3D kinematic assessments; and a control group (QG) – participants who received a handout containing qualitative-based cycling posture recommendations. Primary outcomes were perceived comfort (FEEL Scale), perceived fatigue (OMNI Scale), and perceived pain (numeric rating pain scale, NRPS). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, when the interventions were delivered, and after 15 days. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted using student t-tests between pre and post intervention on both groups. All dependent variables from BFG displayed significant statistical difference between both groups post-intervention (p < 0.05). FEEL Scale and OMNI Scale results showed the highest changes of all variables under analysis (mean differences of 3.12 and 3.95 points, respectively); while the body parts with more reduction in riding pain were Groin and Back (mean differences of 1.68 and 1.35, respectively). In conclusion, 3D kinematic bikefit demonstrated superior improvements over riding pain, comfort and fatigue compared to qualitative riding posture recommendations.

Current Perspectives of Cross-Country Mountain Biking: Physiological and Mechanical Aspects, Evolution of Bikes, Accidents and Injuries.

Mountain biking (MTB) is a cycling modality performed on a variety of unpaved terrain. Although the cross-country Olympic race is the most popular cross-country (XC) format, other XC events have gained increased attention. XC-MTB has repeatedly modified its rules and race format. Moreover, bikes have been modified throughout the years in order to improve riding performance. Therefore, the aim of this review was to present the most relevant studies and discuss the main results on the XC-MTB. Limited evidence on the topic suggests that the XC-MTB events present a variation in exercise intensity, demanding cardiovascular fitness and high power output. Nonetheless, these responses and demands seem to change according to each event. The characteristics of the cyclists differ according to the performance level, suggesting that these parameters may be important to achieve superior performance in XC-MTB. Moreover, factors such as pacing and ability to perform technical sections of the circuit might influence general performance. Bicycles equipped with front and rear suspension (i.e., full suspension) and 29″ wheels have been shown to be effective on the XC circuit. Lastly, strategies such as protective equipment, bike fit, resistance training and accident prevention measures can reduce the severity and the number of injuries.

Effects of Different Pedaling Positions on Muscle Usage and Energy Expenditure in Amateur Cyclists.

Background: Inappropriate cycling positions may affect muscle usage strategy and raise the level of fatigue or risk of sport injury. Dynamic bike fitting is a growing trend meant to help cyclists select proper bikes and adjust them to fit their ergometry. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the “knee forward of foot” (KFOF) distance, an important dynamic bike fitting variable, influences the muscle activation, muscle usage strategy, and rate of energy expenditure during cycling. Methods: Six amateur cyclists were recruited to perform the short-distance ride test (SRT) and the graded exercise tests (GXT) with pedaling positions at four different KFOF distances (+20, 0, −20, and −40 mm). The surface electromyographic (EMG) and portable energy metabolism systems were used to monitor the muscle activation and energy expenditure. The outcome measures included the EMG root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes of eight muscles in the lower extremity during the SRT, the regression line of the changes in the EMG RMS amplitude and median frequency (MF), and the heart rate and oxygen consumption during the GXT. Results: Our results revealed significant differences in the muscle activation of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and semitendinosus among four different pedaling positions during the SRT. During GXT, no statistically significant differences in muscle usage strategy and energy expenditure were found among different KFOF. However, most cyclists had the highest rate of energy expenditure with either KFOF at −40 mm or 20 mm. Conclusions: The KFOF distance altered muscle activation in the SRT; however, no significant influence on the muscle usage strategy was found in the GXT. A higher rate of energy expenditure in the extreme pedaling positions of KFOF was observed in most amateur cyclists, so professional assistance for proper bike fitting was recommended.

Pedaling cadence variability increases by worsening the bike fitting across most but not all workloads

Cyclic motion variability reflects the movement error correction. Since movement motor control generally worsens with impaired biomechanical setups, we assessed whether the pedaling cadence variability (PCV) increases by worsening the bike fitting across multiple workloads. Sixteen cyclists performed multiple 5-min bouts of constant load cycling exercise at 0, 20, 40, 55, 70, 85% of their maximum workload (MWL) capacity at 60 rpm with proper (PROPER) and worsened (WORSENED; 15 cm saddle height drop) bike fittings. Cycle-by-cycle duration series were collected. PCV was calculated as the standard deviation of each series. In both PROPER and WORSENED, PCV showed a U-shaped feature by increasing workload (minimum PCV values at 55% MWL). PCV was higher in WORSENED than PROPER, except at 55% MWL (0% MWL: 36.69 ± 10.06 vs. 42.21 ± 11.3, p &lt; 0.01; 55% MWL: 18.87 ± 3.51 vs. 19.74 ± 4.73, p = 0.3; 85% MWL: 34.93 ± 10.51 vs. 39.52 ± 11.84, p &lt; 0.01; ms; PROPER vs. WORSENED, respectively). PCV seems to be a workload-dependent variable, being greater at low and high workloads. At intermediate workloads, the moderate force expression to continue the movement, along with the effect of the workload itself in counteracting the natural extension of the leg, might explain a lower need for continuous motion adjustments and, consequently, a lower PCV in both bike setups.

A preliminary description of body position on the bicycle and physical fitness in recreational and competitive cyclists

Background: Non-traumatic injuries affect 15-33% of cyclists with multiple potential causes. Bike fitting has been advocated to reduce the risk of non-traumatic injuries by improving body position and reducing joint loads. However, physical fitness (e.g. strength, power and flexibility) has not been explored as a potential contributor to non-traumatic injuries. Therefore, this preliminary study assessed cyclists’ injury history, strength, power, flexibility and cycling body position against data available in the literature.