A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE OF POSITIONING FOR THE ENDURANCE BICYCLIST

Optimal fitting of the endurance bicyclist to the bicycle is vital for improving performance, increasing control, avoiding overuse injuries, and promoting comfort. Neutral position of the bicyclist as well as static and dynamic fitting for the road and off-road bicyclist is important. Musculoskeletal screening procedures of the bicyclist are also important and emphasis will be placed on prevention and intervention of two common overuse injuries: anterior knee pain and lower back pain. Comparisons of bicycle fit and overuse injuries for the off-road bicyclist and racer will also be introduced. KEY WORDS: bicycle fit, endurance bicyclist, overuse injuries INTRODUCTION: Knee and low back pain are the two most common non-traumatic overuse injuries/pain syndromes related to endurance bicycling. Pre-screening to prevent these common problems or clinical evaluation of the painful bicyclist should include a biomechanical assessment of the bicyclist and their bicycle. These two injuries have common and simple pathomechanics. Early evaluation and intervention of common pathomechanic issues will ofte