The biomechanics of maintaining effective force application across cycling positions

Jongerius, N., Wainwright, B., Walker, J. and Bissas, Athanassios ORCID: 0000-0002-7858-9623 (2022) The biomechanics of maintaining effective force application across cycling positions. Journal of Biomechanics, 138. Art 111103. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111103

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Text (Peer Reviewed Version) 11044 Jongerius, Wainwright, Walker and Bissas (2022) The-Biomechanics-of-Maintaining-Effective-Force-Application-Across-Cycling-Positions.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives 4.0. Download (945kB) | Preview

Abstract

Cyclists are known to change their cycling position to reduce aerodynamic drag. Research has shown that this compromises their physical capacity to perform, but there is considerable inter-individual variability present. Proposed training specificity effects by cycling position do not explain all of the observations in the literature, so a search for other influencing parameters is warranted and might help practitioners to further optimise cycling position. This study captured full-body kinematics and 2D crank forces in 19 Time-Trial (TT) and 36 Road trained cyclists. Data in preferred and standardised cycling positions were systematically evaluated and showed that, amongst other kinematic differences, TT cyclists prefer a more forwardly positioned hip joint over Road cyclists. Despite their different setup, no effects in mechanical effectiveness were seen between the groups when tested in their preferred position. Across the standardised positions, the full cohort showed lower mechanical effectiveness when lowering trunk angle. However, significant group by position interactions showed this effect to be less extreme for the TT group. Kinematic data revealed that an increased pelvic tilt resulted in increased hip flexion and induced a more dorsiflexed ankle angle. In addition, linear hip position acutely responded to positional changes by moving forwards when the trunk angle was lowered. A more forwards hip position is thus associated with maintaining a better mechanical effectiveness in aerodynamic cycling positions. This suggests that there is potential to mitigate the effect of negative crank forces in aerodynamic positions by acutely adjusting the saddle placement to facilitate linear hip movement.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mechanical effectiveness; IFE; Crank force; Bike fitting; Aerodynamics
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV1040 Cycling. Bicycling. Motorcycling
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Susan Turner
Date Deposited:	05 May 2022 14:37
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:06
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/11044

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