Efficiency of Cycling Pads in Reducing Seat Pressure During Cycling. In: Rebelo F, Soares MM, editors. Advances in Ergonomics in Design. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2019. pp. 38-47. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94706-8_5]

Modifications in pedaling kinematics, saddle pressures and comfort in elite cyclists after alterations in saddle height during ventilatory thresholds

Clear evidence is lacking in cycling biomechanics research regarding the effects of pedaling at various saddle heights (SH) and intensities, hindering full comprehension of bicycle geometry configurations and their impacts on performance and potential injuries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of changes in SH (freely chosen, +2%, and -2%) at two intensities (First (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory threshold) on the pressures exerted on the saddle, the lower-limb kinematics, and perceived comfort. Twenty-four elite cyclists pedaled for 6 min on an ergometer at each of the saddle heights and intensities. The results of the kinematics showed differences (p < 0.05) as a function of the SH in all the variables analyzed. The results of the saddle pressures showed an interaction between SH and saddle zones (p < 0.01) depending on intensity (p = 0.002). There were higher levels of overall perceived comfort in freely chosen SH. In conclusion, higher SH (+2%) produced greater pressures on the saddle, greater extension in the lower extremities, and less comfort for the cyclist. Regarding intensities, VT2 reduces the pressures exerted on the saddle, leading to increased ankle dorsiflexion and decreased hip flexion-extension which negatively impacts cyclist comfort when not pedaling at freely chosen SH.

The effect of saddle setback and cycling intensity on saddle pressures and comfort in male and female recreational cyclists

Cycling is a recreational activity that helps to prevent different diseases. The practice of this popular worldwide sport requires the cyclist to maintain a particular posture in contact with the pedals, handlebars, and saddle for long periods of time. Therefore, the study of the pressure exerted on the saddle is of great importance as it is directly related to the reduction of perineal injuries and pathologies. The present research aims to study the effect on comfort and saddle pressures when performing a cycloergometer test using 3 saddle positions: own setback position (P1), forward [-10% (P2)], backward [+10% (P3)] at two exercise intensities (Ventilatory Threshold: VT1 and VT2). 34 amateur cyclists (14 women, 20 men) were analysed. The results showed that comfort was significantly reduced in P3 (p < 0.01) and significantly increased for some items in the VT1 condition and for men in P1 regarding overall comfort (p < 0.01, ES = 0.105). In addition, the average and maximum pressure in the pubic region were significantly higher at P3 (p < 0.001) and men show higher values for average pressure compared to women (p = 0.006, ES = 0.235). In conclusion, backward saddle setback positions increase pressure and discomfort to recreational cyclists in comparison with the forward and own setback position, which could increase the risk of injury.

Unique Concerns of the Woman Cyclist

Previously a male-dominated activity, female cyclists now make up nearly half of all cyclists in the United States. Although cycling provides a significant number of health benefits, it is an activity that carries risk of injury, both traumatic and nontraumatic. Sex differences are seen in chest trauma and breast injury, as well as pelvic, given the inherent differences in anatomy. Understanding the relationship of the bicycle to the anatomy of the rider can help mitigate risks for injury.

A field study investigating sensory manifestations in recreational female cyclists using a novel female-specific cycling pad

This randomised controlled field study aimed to design a female-specific cycling pad with reduced padding in the crotch area (half-pad) and test its effects on self-reported sensory manifestations in comparison with full-padded cycling bib shorts. Recreational female road cyclists (n = 183) participated (divided into two groups). Self-reported sensory manifestations were collected six times over 12 weeks. Sitting discomfort, wetness perception, thermal, texture sensation, and wear discomfort decreased over time for the crotch and sitting-bones areas in both groups. Irritation and tenderness in the crotch area also decreased over time in both groups. Irritation and tenderness in the sitting-bones area were only higher at week two in the half-pad compared with the full-pad group. Cycling with the half-padded shorts compared with the full-padded ones had no negative effects on sensory manifestations beside the observed transient change at week two. This suggests that foam thickness in the crotch area can be reduced in female-specific cycling pads. Practitioner's Summary: Road cycling might result in discomfort and non-traumatic injuries in the female genital area. This field study compares two different cycling pads; a half-pad and a full-pad, over a 12-week period among female recreational road cyclists. Reducing the foam thickness in the crotch area of the pad does not change sensory manifestations, i.e. discomfort, wetness perception, texture-, and thermal-sensation as well as wear discomfort. Abbreviations: CS-Q: online Cycling bib Shorts Questionnaire; VADER: Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner.