Knee Injury Prevention In Cyclist

"Original Editor"- Manali K Shah ""Top Contributors""- Manali K Shah and Lucinda hampton

Introduction:

Bicycle riding is a popular form of recreation, fitness and transportation in many areas of the world. The health benefits of participating in regular physical activity are well established, so now a days recreational cycling activity has been very popular and therefore not surprising that patients presenting with injuries related to cycling may also increase. But many common cycling injuries of the lower extremity are preventable.

Studies suggests that Cycling is a healthy recreational activity, although it can result in acute and chronic/overuse injuries. Acute injuries may occur due to road traffic accidents which can be prevented by using helmet and following proper traffic rules. But chronic injuries require specific ergonomics and proper physiotherapy guidelines for various factors responsible for injury.

The most common anatomical sites for overuse injury/complaints reported by studies were the back, knees, neck/shoulder, groin/buttocks, and hands.

The patellofemoral joint is under particular stress in bicycling thus Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse injury in cycling. Risk factors for anterior knee pain (PFP) can be divided into extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Risk factors for overuse injury:

Incorrect bicycle configuration may predispose athletes to injury and reduce their cycling performance.

The patellofemoral joint is under particular stress in bicycling thus Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse injury in cycling. Risk factors for anterior knee pain (PFP) can be divided into extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors for patellofemoral joint are incorrect saddle height/ position,incorrect cleat alignment and incorrect cadence

Ergonomics on cycling setting:

1. Mid saddle height based on Trochanteric Length Method (100%) or Holmes et al. Method with knee flexion 25 to 30 degrees.

•      The saddle height will be measured as the greatest distance from saddle surface to the center of the pedal surface in a straight line along saddle pillar (tube) and crank.

1. Anterior foot position is defined as the contact with the head of the second metatarsal (ball of foot) and the pedal surface.
2. Keeping the saddle and hand bars at the same height.