Schulz, Samantha J., and Gordon, Susan J. (2010) Riding position and lumbar spine angle in recreational cyclists: a pilot study. International Journal of Exercise Science, 3 (4). pp. 174-181.

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Abstract

This pilot study investigated the reliability of an inclinometer to assess lumbar spine angle in three different cycling positions, and explored the relationship between lumbar spine angle and riding position, anthropometry, bike measures and low back pain (LBP).

Cyclists were recruited from two cycle clubs. Anthropometric variables and bike set-up were measured before participants’ bikes were secured in a wind trainer. Cyclists then adopted three positions for riding, upright on the handlebars, on the brake levers and on the drops, according to a random allocation. The angle of the lumbar spine was measured, using an inclinometer, at zero minutes and after cyclists had completed 10 minutes of cycling.

Intra-measurer reliability for inclinometer use to measure lumbar spine angle in each position was excellent (ICC=0.97). The angle of the lumbar spine changed significantly over 10 minutes in the brake position (p=0.004). Lumbar spine angle at 10 minutes was significantly different between the brake and drop positions (p=0.018, p<0.05), and between upright and drop positions (p=0.012, p<0.05) Lumbar spine angle was not related to anthropometric measures. The change in lumbar spine angle varied from one degree of extension to 12 degrees of flexion, with increased flexion occurring in 95% of trials.

An inclinometer has excellent intra-measurer reliability to measure lumbar spine angle in cycling positions. Future research with a sample of 72 or more participants is required to determine if there is a significant relationship between LBP and lumbar spine angle in different cycling positions.

Item ID:	15804
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1939-795X
Keywords:	cycling; physical activity; measurement; low back pain
Additional Information:	From the journal's website: The International Journal of Exercise Science conforms to the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) funding model in that it all content is freely available to individuals and institutions without an embargo period. Users may "read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full text of the articles"
Date Deposited:	11 Apr 2011 23:57
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1106 Human Movement and Sports Science > 110604 Sports Medicine @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920116 Skeletal System and Disorders (incl. Arthritis) @ 50% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920409 Injury Control @ 50%
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