PP: 09

TITLE

Influence of the cycle characteristics on the spinal posture of cyclists: Literature review

Ruqiya Samreen Khazi 1 , Syed Asif Basha 2

Objective:

To determine the relationship between the posture of the spine in corelation with the

characteristics of the cycle i.e. saddle design, saddle angle, reach distance and pedal unit

placement.

Design:

A critical and narrative review of literature was done on each of the characterises of cycle

selected from PUBMED. Articles about the influence of saddle design, reach distance and

pedal unit placements in cycles on the posture of the spine of cyclists were included.

Results:

In conclusion, 8 articles were found which were appropriate to the topic of research and were

considered from the search engine Pubmed.

Three articles were found supporting saddle design influence on spine posture: complete cut-

out saddle designs increase trunk flexion, partial cut-out saddle designs have comparatively

lesser trunk flexion, however they are more comfortable.

Two articles were found supporting the influence of bar handle on the spine posture: lower

bar handle shows increase in lumbo-sacral flexion of spine.

Three articles were found supporting the pedal unit placement and its influence on spine

posture: the position with pedals behind the saddle axis permits more spine flexion than

pedals in front.

Conclusion:

Based on the literature found in Pubmed, it is important to understand the association

between the characteristics of a cycle i.e., the saddle design, pedal unit placement and the bar

handle height and the posture of spine.

Key words: Cycle, cyclists, spinal posture