Mountain Biking Research Articles

Myocardial inefficiency is an early indicator of exercise-induced myocardial fatigue.

The effect of prolonged, high-intensity endurance exercise on myocardial function is unclear. This study aimed to determine the left ventricular (LV) response to increased exercise duration and intensity using novel echocardiographic tools to assess myocardial work and fatigue. LV function was assessed by echocardiography before, immediately, and 24 h after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and a 91-km mountain bike leisure race. Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) was used to assess myocyte stress. 59 healthy recreational athletes, 52 (43-59) years of age, 73% males, were included. The race was longer and of higher intensity generating higher cTnI levels compared with the CPET (p < 0.0001): Race/CPET: exercise duration: 230 (210, 245)/43 (40, 45) minutes, mean heart rate: 154 ± 10/132 ± 12 bpm, max cTnI: 77 (37, 128)/12 (7, 23) ng/L. Stroke volume and cardiac output were higher after the race than CPET (p < 0.005). The two exercises did not differ in post-exercise changes in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) or global longitudinal strain (GLS). There was an increase in global wasted work (p = 0.001) following the race and a persistent reduction in global constructive work 24 h after exercise (p = 0.003). Increased exercise intensity and duration were associated with increased myocardial wasted work post-exercise, without alterations in LVEF and GLS from baseline values. These findings suggest that markers of myocardial inefficiency may precede reduction in global LV function as markers of myocardial fatigue.

Конструктивные особенности современных горных велосипедов, часть 3.

MBT bikes (or mountain bikes) are widely used bikes, which serve the most often for sport purposes. These bikes are produced in more variants and they differ by several signs. There are dimensions, weight categories, used accessories and others. Together with this, there are different technical solutions, which make them different to each other. Usually, it refers to technical solutions of suspension system of a rear wheel of also a front wheel. A rear wheel can be suspended by different systems, which lead to different characteristics are provide different riding properties. This contribution presents an overview current technical solutions of these systems.

Can Yoga Pranayama Practices Improve Burnout in Elite Mountain Bikers: A Single-arm Pilot Study.

Mountain bike (MTB) racing is a highly intensive physical activity and requires a high degree of technical ability to perform at the elite athlete level, which might compromise mental well-being, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression through overtraining, injury, and burnout. Yoga Pranayama is the key to bringing about psychosomatic integration and harmony. This study aimed to explore the effects of yoga pranayama practices (YPP) on elite mountain bikers' burnout. This is a single-arm pilot study. Twenty-seven subjects practiced 30 sessions of YPP seven times a week for 1 month. The outcomes measured were blood biochemical parameters accompanied by complete blood count and athlete burnout score. Cubital vein blood test and burnout questionnaire were conducted at baseline and after 1 month. Test results showed a significant decrease in cortisol (CO) (P = 0.001) and urea nitrogen (P < 0.001) and an increase in testosterone: CO ratio (P = 0.001). This study indicates that YPP might improve burnout in elite mountain bikers.

Assessing the Validity of Several Heart Rate Monitors in Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking

Assessing the Validity of Several Heart Rate Monitors in Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking

The Effects of an Acute Aerobic Exercise Session with L-arginine Supplementation on Selected Psychomotor and Physiological Parameters in Cyclists Recovered from COVID-19

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the major global crises of this century, bringing complications that can hinder the return to sport in infected athletes. Evidence suggests aerobic exercise and L-arginine supplementation may accelerate COVID-19 recovery. Hence, this study aimed to examine the effects of an acute aerobic exercise session with L-arginine supplementation on selected psychomotor and physiological parameters in cyclists recovered from COVID-19. Methods: Thirty-two male mountain bikers aged 18-25 years from Qazvin, Iran were randomized into four groups of eight: aerobic exercise + L-arginine supplementation, control, aerobic exercise + placebo, and L-arginine alone. Participants underwent pre- and post-testing surrounding an acute aerobic cycling session. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality of data distribution. Analysis of covariance evaluated between-group differences. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Results: Analysis of covariance revealed significant between-group differences on psychomotor performance, maximal oxygen consumption, and peak anaerobic power variables (all p&lt;0.05). Post-hoc Bonferroni tests showed the aerobic exercise + L-arginine group had significantly greater improvements than aerobic + placebo and L-arginine groups (p&lt;0.05), with no differences between L-arginine and control. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise combined with L-arginine supplementation appears an effective strategy for enhancing psychomotor and physiological performance in cyclists recovered from COVID-19.

Reliability of Time to Exhaustion Above the Power Output at VO2peak in Trained Mountain Bikers

Reliability of Time to Exhaustion Above the Power Output at VO2peak in Trained Mountain Bikers

Radial Stiffness and Damping of Mountain Bike Tires Subject to Impact Determined Using the Coefficient of Restitution

Radial Stiffness and Damping of Mountain Bike Tires Subject to Impact Determined Using the Coefficient of Restitution

Reattachment of Fractured Tooth Fragment by Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach.

Dental anterior fractures are common injuries, especially in those who practice extreme sports. This report describes a 25-year-old Bolivian patient who attended our private dental clinic in La Paz, Bolivia after experiencing an accident during downhill mountain biking. An intraoral examination revealed a fracture line on the buccal side in the middle third of the coronal portion of the right central maxillary incisor which extended towards the proximal and lingual sides. Multidisciplinary treatment, including crown lengthening, osteotomy, root canal treatment, fiberglass post insertion, and reattachment of the fracture segment was performed. A follow-up examination at 10 months later revealed that the tooth was completely reestablished both functionally and esthetically and that there was no periapical pathosis or discomfort. This outcome suggests that if a patient seeks a dental consultation soon after a complex crown-root fracture has occurred, and if the broken tooth segment is available, then reattachment offers an economical and simple treatment option which will allow immediate restoration of functionality and esthetic standards. Continued follow-up should form part of such a treatment plan to allow long-term pulp vitality and periodontal health status to be monitored.

Identification and Modeling of a Mountain Bike Front Suspension Subsystem Equipped with a Telescopic Fork and Tire Damping

Identification and Modeling of a Mountain Bike Front Suspension Subsystem Equipped with a Telescopic Fork and Tire Damping

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.

Epidemiology of Hand and Wrist Injuries in Outdoor Recreational Activities

Introduction: With participation in outdoor and remote activities rising, it is essential for wilderness medicine clinicians to be aware of the hand, wrist, and forearm injuries that commonly occur. From mountain biking to rock climbing to dog walking, hand and wrist injuries are ubiquitous, and knowledge of them can improve preparedness. Methods: This was a retrospective study that evaluated hand, wrist, and forearm injuries, sustained during recreational outdoor activities, that then presented to orthopaedics. Data were recorded over the course of 1 calendar year for activity, body part, injury type, sex, age, and the need for surgery. This was then analyzed to highlight trends. Results: Of 436 hand, wrist, and forearm injuries, the wrist was the most frequently injured upper extremity body part with 253 injuries. The most common type of injury was fracture with 336, and of these fractures, 170 were of the distal radius. Biking, skateboarding, and dog walking were the most common causes of injury, and the most frequently injured patients were young men and older women. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of clinician preparation for evaluation and management of hand, wrist, and forearm injuries, including distal radius fractures. It also highlights the importance of recognizing patients at risk for osteoporosis. Having knowledge of the leading injuries, most common mechanisms, and most at-risk patients helps with clinician training, provider and kit preparedness, and participant education.

Comparison of Complex and Simple Anthropometrics in the Descriptive Anthropometric Assessment of Male Cyclists

Introduction: Compare the importance of complex (areas and volumes) and simple (lengths and girths) surface anthropometrics in the descriptive anthropometric assessment of the lower body of male cyclists from different disciplines. Method: Using a 3dMDBody5 3D surface imaging system and bespoke software (KinAnthroScan), anthropometrics of the lower body of 23 male non-cyclists and 57 elite male cyclists from different cycling disciplines: sprint (track and road (hill)), endurance (road, &gt; 50 miles), time trial (road, &lt; 50 miles) and mountain bike (cross-country and enduro) were collected. Results: Several anthropometrics differed between cycling groups and when compared to the non-cyclists group; the sprint group demonstrated the largest magnitude of difference with other cycling disciplines and the non-cyclists group, whereas the time trial and mountain bike groups demonstrated the least. Complex anthropometrics were able to distinguish between groups as effectively as simple anthropometrics, and in some cases, were able to distinguish differences that were unidentifiable through simple anthropometrics alone. Conclusions: Researchers, anthropometrists and practitioners should consider the collection and use of complex anthropometrics to improve the understanding of anthropometric differences within descriptive anthropometry, alongside adopting caution when researching groups of cyclists from different disciplines due to their differing anthropometric profiles - categorising them by discipline when possible.

Modeling of temporal and spatial changes of mountain bike use with voluntary geographical data: the case of the Datça Peninsula

Dağ bisikleti, popüler bir rekreasyon ve turizm aktivitesidir. Rekreasyonel ve korunan alanların sürdürülebilir yönetiminde dağ bisikleti kullanımının zamansal ve mekânsal verilerine ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Geleneksel veri toplama yöntemleri pahalı, zaman alıcı ve zamansal-mekânsal ayrıntılardan yoksundur. Günümüzde GNSS tabanlı mobil uygulamalardan elde edilen gönüllü coğrafi veriler, dağ bisikleti kullanımının zamansal ve mekânsal analizi için önemli bir veri kaynağı haline gelmiştir. Bu çalışmada gönüllü coğrafi veri perspektifine dayalı olarak, GNSS verileri aracılığıyla Datça Yarımadası’nda dağ bisikleti kullanımının zamansal ve mekânsal değişimlerinin modellenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Wikiloc platformunda paylaşılan 203 adet seyahat rotasının GNSS izleri kullanılarak oluşturulan grafikler ve yoğunluk haritaları ile dağ bisikleti kullanımı analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları, kitle kaynaklı Wikiloc verilerinin, dağ bisikleti kullanımının zamansal ve mekânsal özelliklerini analiz etmek için veri kaynağı olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermiştir. Çalışma, gönüllü coğrafi verilerin avantajlarından yararlanarak rekreasyonel ve korunan alanların sürdürülebilir yönetimi için gelecekteki araştırmaların önünü açmaktadır.

Pengaruh Citra Destinasi, Motivasi dan Persepsi Risiko terhadap Kepuasan Wisatawan Sepeda Gunung dan Niat Berkunjung Kembali

Lombok Island has a mountain bike sport tourism destination, namely the Cacing Fun Track which was just inaugurated in 2021. In order for this destination to develop and be able to compete, it is necessary to conduct research on the behavior of sport tourism tourists and the factors that influence the intention to visit again. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of destination image, motivation and risk perception on tourist satisfaction and intention to return to the Bukit Cacing sport tourism destination (Cacing Fun Track). This research method uses a quantitative approach with a sample of 100 respondents. The sampling technique in this study used purposive sampling and data collection through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and literature studies. The data analysis technique used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the SmartPLS 3.3.5 Student Version analysis tool and was supported by qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. The results showed that the image of the destination had a positive and significant effect on tourist satisfaction and intention to return, tourist motivation had a positive and significant effect on tourist satisfaction and intention to return, risk perception had a negative and significant effect on tourist satisfaction and intention to return, tourist satisfaction had an effect on significant effect on revisit intention and tourist satisfaction had an indirect effect on the influence of destination image, motivation and risk perception towards revisit intention.

Implementation of Data Mining Using K-Means Algorithm for Bicycle Sales Prediction

During the pandemic, to reduce the number of Covid-19 spreads, the government imposed social distancing and work from home (WFH) to reduce community activities outside the home. This caused people to have irregular patterns or lifestyles which less any physical activity . It surely can lower immunity system in which can increase the risk of being infected by the virus. Therefore, during the pandemic, sports or exercises become one of the activities that regularly carried out by the community to increase their immunity. One of the sports activities that can be done to maintain their immunity is cycling. Cycling itself is a light activity that can be practiced by all ages. This occasion is certainly a good marketing target for bicycle selling companies, but the company sometimes experiences problems regarding bicycle stocks that do not match with the consumer market target. The purpose of this study is to find out what types of bicycles are on demand by predicting bicycle sales and looking at the desired interests of the community. This study uses the K-Means Clustering algorithm. The results of the K-Means Clustering research are divided into three clusters; Cluster 1 with 209 members with the most interest in mountain bikes, Cluster 2 with 787 members with the most interest in folding bicycles, and Cluster 3 with 540 members with bicycle interests. Most of them are city bicycles, from the clustering process above, the Dunn Index validation (Dunn Index) can be obtained with a value of 0.1324532.

Integrating generative design and topology optimisation with product design values

Advances in computer technology and software increasingly encourage the usage of CAD tools for designing forms that algorithmically manipulate ‘structural’ and ‘surface’ features. These sophisticated new computational processes, broadly known as ‘generative design’ and ‘topology optimisation’, are very likely to become a regular part of the product design process for many types of products. A core value of design practice is the development of intuition and iterative skills to explore the technical and experiential performance of design concepts through sketching, model making, and prototyping. Identifying ways to integrate ‘generative design’ and ‘topology optimisation’ CAD processes with ‘making’ as a core value in product design concept development is a significant challenge - particularly for design education. A related concern is that ‘topology optimisation’ can generate structurally optimised parts for the amount and type of material used, which essentially determines the fabrication method. Often these parts in their raw form can only be made using 3D printing technologies, though they can (and often need to) be ‘styled’ or modified. Therefore, the relationship to 3D printing and its limitations as an end-part manufacturing technology must be critically tested as part of the design process. The practice-led research presented includes a case study of the design of a mountain bike (MTB) crank arm developed using an integrated design process that incorporates a series of ‘topology optimisation’ simulations. The authors undertook the project to inform the design of a new ‘generative design’ and ‘topology optimisation’ studio-based subject to be offered to second and third-year product design students at the University of Technology Sydney. The research proposes a form of integrated design practice that values ‘making’ iteratively, and the advancing CAD-based ‘generative design’ and ‘topology optimisation’ tools to responsibly support experiential learning in product design, manufacturing and engineering.

The impact of recreational activities on species at risk in Canada

Recreational activities are among the most common threats to species at risk. The use of standardized threat assessment tables in assessment reports for 300 Canadian species at risk since 2012 enabled a systematic comparison of threat categories considering both frequency and intensity of threats. Our analysis of these reports reveals that recreational activities are the most common threat to species at risk in Canada, affecting more species than any other threat category. However, the intensity of a threat should be considered. When accounting for the intensity of threats, recreational activities are the third-greatest threat to species at risk in Canada following “Invasive Non-native/Alien Species” and “Roads and Railroads”. Recreational activities were among the top five threats to molluscs, vascular plants, mosses, arthropods, marine and terrestrial mammals, and reptiles considering both frequency and intensity of threat to the assessed species in each taxonomic group. Among species at risk for which recreational activities posed at least a low-level threat, off-road vehicle use was the most commonly mentioned recreational threat. The second-most common recreational threat was hiking. Boating, mountain biking, camping, beach use, horseback riding, off-leash pets, and rock climbing were considered at least a low-level threat to five or more species. Common mechanisms of threat arising from recreational activities include direct mortality and damage from trampling species and/or their habitat, siltation and changes to water chemistry, disruption due to human presence, and noise disturbance. Recreation activities affected more species at risk than any other category of threat. The intensity of threat from recreational activities was negligible or low for most at-risk species affected. However, increases in recreational use and cumulative effects could result in more severe threats in the future. Both mechanized and non-mechanized recreational activities cause direct mortality, disturbance, and/or degradation of habitat for species at risk in Canada including many under-studied taxa. Thus, recreational activities that are typically unauthorised and those that are commonly permitted in protected areas warrant management attention to avoid impacts on species at risk, especially less conspicuous taxa.

SKF fork-seal kit provides a smoother, steadier ride for mountain bikers

SKF has developed a dual compound fork-seal kit for mountain bikes.

THE EFFECTS OF THE APPLIED TABATA TRAINING MODEL ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MOUNTAIN BIKE ATHLETES

The aim of this study was to examine the development of anaerobic (maximum strength), aerobic (endurance), and heart rate numbers with the six-week Tabata Training Model applied to mountain biking athletes between the ages 14-18. A total 20 mountain bike athletes with a mean age of 15.45 ± 1.15 years participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The Traditional Training Group (CG) consisted of nine people and they applied the traditional training program for six weeks. The Tabata Training Group (TTG) consisted of 10 participants, and they, unlike CG, performed Tabata Interval Training on three days of the Traditional Training Program. CG did interval, rest, tempo, and endurance training for six weeks. The pre-test and post-test results showed that, aerobic power values increased by 10,7% in TTG; and 5,6% in CG, and mean power values increased by 8,6% in TTG; and 5,5% in CG. VO2max values while increased by 5,3% in TTG, it increased by 3,9% in CG, mean pulse values decreased by 0,7% in TTG and 2,8% in CG. As a result, it was seen that the Tabata Interval Model, which includes Tabata Interval Trainings applied for six weeks to high trained mountain bikers, increased the performance. In light of these results, it can be said that the Tabata Training Model is an effective training model that can be used to improve performance in high-level mountain bikers.

Acute Effects of Sprint Interval Training and Chronic Effects of Polarized Training (Sprint Interval Training, High Intensity Interval Training, and Endurance Training) on Choice Reaction Time in Mountain Bike Cyclists.

This study evaluated the acute effects of sprint interval training and chronic effects of polarized training on choice reaction time in cyclists. Twenty-six mountain bike cyclists participated in the study and were divided into experimental (E) and control (C) groups. The cyclists trained for 9-weeks and performed five training sessions each week. Types of training sessions: (1) sprint interval training (SIT) which consisted of 8-16, 30 s repetitions at maximal intensity, (2) high-intensity interval training (HIIT) included 5 to 7, 5-min efforts at an intensity of 85-95% maximal aerobic power (Pmax), and (3) endurance training (ET) performed at an intensity of 55-60% Pmax, lasting 120--180 min. In each week the cyclists performed: in group E a polarized training program, which included 2 × SIT, 1 × HIIT and 2 × ET, while in group C 2 × HIIT and 3 × ET. Before (acute effects) and after the 9-week training period (chronic effects) participants performed laboratory sprint interval testing protocol (SITP), which consisted of 12 maximal repetitions lasting 30 s. During SITP maximal and mean anaerobic power, as well as lactate ion concentration and blood pH were measured. Choice reaction time (RT) was measured 4-times: before and immediately after the SITP test-before and after the 9-week training period. Evaluated the average choice RT, minimal choice RT (shortest reaction), maximal choice RT (longest reaction), and the number of incorrect reactions. Before the training period as acute effects of SITP, it was observed: a shorter average choice RT (F = 13.61; p = 0.001; η2 = 0.362) and maximal choice RT (F = 4.71; p = 0.040; η2 = 0.164), and a decrease the number of incorrect reactions (F = 53.72; p = 0.000; η2 = 0.691), for E and C groups. After the 9-week training period, chronic effects showed that choice RT did not change in any of the cyclists' groups. Only in the E group after the polarized training period, the number of incorrect reactions decreased (F = 49.03; p = 0.000; η2 = 0.671), average anaerobic power increased (F = 8.70; p = 0.007; η2 = 0.274) and blood pH decreased (F = 27.20; p = 0.000; η2 = 0.531), compared to the value before the training period. In conclusion, a shorter choice RT and a decrease in the number of incorrect reactions as acute effects of SITP, and a decrease in the number of incorrect reactions and higher average power as chronic effects of the polarized training program are beneficial for mountain bike cyclists.