Changes in cycling kinematics in function of exercise intensity and association with injury prevalence in amateur road cyclists : a 3D kinematic motion analysis study using statistical parametric mapping

Objectives - Road cycling is one of the most popular endurance sports. Due to its cyclic character, the prolonged flexion posture and significant training volumes, it is associated with a high overuse injury prevalence. To prevent these injuries, control of cycling posture is imperative. To what extent cycling posture relates with overuse injuries, has not been investigated so far. Design - This study wanted to assess how cycling kinematics vary in function of exercise intensity, and how this relates to injury prevalence using a case-control study. Methods - 3D kinematics of lower limb and trunk were captured at constant time-intervals during an exertional cycling protocol in a sample of 67 recreational road cyclists. Data on power, heartrate, power-related kinematic changes and the presence of cycling-specific complaints were submitted to statistical analysis. Results - Cycling kinematics changed significantly in function of power output (p<0,024) and trunk and pelvis kinematics during down stroke were significantly associated with injury prevalence (p