The influence of hamstring extensibility on preselected saddle height within experienced competitive cyclists
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Contemporary studies have investigated the effects of bicycle saddle height for optimal performance and injury prevention. A recent review established a dynamic knee flexion angle of 25˚-30˚ for optimal economy, anaerobic power, and knee tracking (Bini et al., 2011: Sports Medicine, 41, 463-476). Muyor et al, (2011: Journal of Human Kinetics, 29, 15-23), investigated hamstring extensibility within 96 highly trained cyclists. They concluded that shortened hamstrings had a negative influence over thoracic spinal curvature, yet no influence over saddle height. Whereas, Ferrer-Roca et al (2012: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26, 3025- 3029) examined 23 high level competitive male road cyclists and concluded that a lack of flexibility may have an influence over lower preselected saddle heights (> 40˚ knee flexion angle). Consequently, there remains uncertainty whether preselected saddle height may be dependent on hamstring extensibility. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of hamstring extensibility on preselected saddle height within experienced competitive cyclists. It was suggested that preselected saddle height may be dependent on hamstring extensibility to enable a 25˚-30˚ knee flexion angle. Methods: Participants consisted of 32 moderate to high level male and female road cyclists (35.8 ± 8.4 years; 178.22 ± 11.0 cm; 77.7 ± 13.4 kg). They used their own individually set-up road bicycle, which was placed on an indoor wind trainer. Hamstring extensibility was measured using the passive knee extension test. Dynamic 2D analysis was used to measure bicycle knee flexion and passive knee extension angles. A cycling questionnaire was also used to determine experience, training and competition levels. Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed bicycle knee flexion angle, years cycling (r = -0.35, p < 0.05), training volume, (r = -0.54, p< 0.01) and competition duration (years) (r = -0.62, p< 0.01) were significant. Whereas, no significance was identified with pre (r = 0.12) and post (r = 0.12) passive knee extension (p > 0.05). Discussion: Results suggest that sustained time period on the bike rather than hamstring extensibility determines preselected saddle height. In particular, being competitive for a longer duration precedes either volume or number of years cycling. However, it is apparent that in agreement with Muyor et al., (2011) a single variable such as hamstring length does not predetermine optimal saddle height. In addition, as suggested by Ferrer-Roca et al., (2012), experienced cyclists are unable to achieve a knee flexion angle of 25˚, unless they have sufficient flexibility. Conclusion: Results reveal that with experience, a competitive cyclist’s subjective and objective interpretation of their preselected saddle height becomes more consistent. Although hamstring extensibility does not appear to influence pre-selected saddle height, an initial 35˚ rather than 25˚ knee flexion angle is recommended. Future research should consider mixed methodologies, to further establish safe and effective recommendations for optimising bicycle fit.
Authors and Affiliations
J Hynd| Sports and Exercise, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, D Crowle| Sports and Exercise, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, C Stephenson| Sports and Exercise, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2851
- DOI -
- Views 393
- Downloads 23
Torso and facial/head pre-cooling and anaerobic cycling performance in a hot and humid environment
It has been demonstrated that cooling athletes before (pre-cooling) enabled a higher level of power output developed during exercise (Tyler et al., 2015, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47, 7-13), increased thermal c...
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS Open Access The influence of aerobic fitness on the oxygen uptake kinetics of trained cyclists
Introduction: The oxygen uptake kinetics of cyclists with O2max values associated with Elite standards has not been investigated. A hypothesis was tested stating that trained cyclists have faster oxygen uptake responses...
Evaluating the central pressure point to determine the optimal saddle setback
Over half of all cyclists describe discomfort at the saddle as limiting condition. (Detori & Norvell, 2006) The saddle setback is an important parameter to consider when aiming to improve the comfort for sportive road bi...
The effects of cycling cleat position on subsequent running performance in a simulated duathlon
Strategies that reduce the physiological load during the cycling phase of triathlon events may enable athletes to perform better during the subsequent running phase. The current study examines the effects of changes in s...
The impact of mental fatigue on a preloaded cycling-time trial in the heat
Mental fatigue is a change in psychobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity and has been observed to decrease whole-body endurance performance [1-5]. Recently a decreased resting-stat...