Cycling injuries and biomechanics
Cycling is unique due to its combination of postural inertia of the upper and lower body.
Set-up and positioning of the bike can help prevent injuries. A cyclist requires both flexibility and stability, imbalances can result in overloading.
Seat height -
To high - power is reduced and injuries to pelvis, adductors, gluteals, hamstrings, calf and knee joint can occur.
To low - increases knee flexion and can cause patella bursal loading.
Bar reach and drop - Poor positioning can reduce flexibility and cause problems in the pelvis, hip and hamstrings.
Cleat positioning - important for the alignment of the hip, knee and ankle.
Seat - should be narrow enough to allow legs to pedal freely without impingement and comfort for endurance.
I would recommend getting a biomechanical posture assessment to identify any musculoskeletal misalignments.
My cycling and triathlete clients have benefitted greatly from biomechanical assessment at my centre in Stockport as well as advice on bike correction/posture to help aid their performance, endurance and less injuries.
