Cycling with Low Saddle Height is Related to Increased Knee Adduction Moments in Healthy Recreational Cyclists

Abstract

Bicycle saddle height configurations have been shown to affect knee joint biomechanics. Research suggests that an excessively low saddle height may lead to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, which is thought to be caused by the knee adduction moment during cycling. However, how saddle heights affect frontal plane knee biomechanics was not clear. We aimed to compare different saddle heights on frontal plane knee biomechanics during cycling. Twenty healthy young recreational cyclists (23.4 ± 0.5 years) performed 3 min of cycling at four different saddle heights (Medium [25°knee flexion angle], Preferred [a height chosen by cyclists], Low [Preferred + 15°], High [Preferred -15°] measured at the bottom-dead-center). Cycling workload and cadence were set at 60 w and 60 RPM, respectively, since our project was focused on rehabilitation. A motion analysis system and a custom instrumented pedal were used to collect three-dimensional kinematics d (200 Hz) and pedal reaction force (1000 Hz). Results showed that, compared with other saddle heights, Low saddle height produced greater adduction knee moments (11.9 ± 1.9 Nm, P < 0.05), a longer duration (0.15 ± 0.01 s, P < 0.05), larger knee flexion (58.5 ± 2.6°, P < 0.05) and larger abduction angles (−4.5 ± 0.8°, P < 0.05). We showed that Low saddle height resulted in increased knee adduction moments with longer duration. In contrast, High saddle height reduced both knee moments and time duration. The results suggest that increased saddle heights may provide a safe and efficient cycling strategy for healthy young recreational cyclists.

Could Proprioceptive Stimuli Change Saddle Pressure on Male Cyclists during Different Hand Positions? An Exploratory Study of the Effect of the Equistasi® Device

“…Athletes were tested at the same work rate of 180 Watts as it was considered an average intensity for our population of subjects, similarly to [16,[29][30][31] who chose to test their subjects at a fixed work rate. Each athlete could then choose the preferred cadence that allows him to reach the 180 W.…”

Cycling kinematics in healthy adults for musculoskeletal rehabilitation guidance

“…Stationary cycling is commonly recommended for individuals with various disabilities, such as knee osteoarthritis and compromised function of the joints following surgeries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and total hip arthroplasty. Cycling reduces the load on the knee joint [ 2 , 3 ] and ACL [ 4 – 7 ]; the tibiofemoral compressive forces during cycling are between 0.3 and 2 times the body weight, while other full weight-bearing rehabilitative exercises (e.g., walking, stair ascent/descent) generate forces of approximately 2–4 times the body weight [ 4 , 8 – 10 ]. The patellofemoral compressive force [ 9 , 11 ], shear stress [ 12 ], tibiofemoral shear force [ 13 , 14 ], and ACL strain [ 9 , 11 , 15 , 16 ] are low during cycling; nevertheless, the quadriceps and hamstring muscles are strengthened as the knee stability increases [ 7 , 12 , 17 – 19 ].…”

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

“…The ankle exhibits the opposite, with an increase in dorsiflexion [ 41 ]. The increased demand for dorsiflexion torque required at higher saddle heights might lead to a larger maximum and mean EMG signal of the MG [ 42 ]. The lengthening velocity of the MG increased during the propulsive phase and decreased during the recovery phase as the saddle height increased [ 37 ].…”