Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions
This study investigates whether electromyography (EMG) analysis can reflect ergonomic improvements for commuter bike users by assessing muscle activity differences between comfort- and performance-oriented saddle positions. A cohort of 30 city bike riders underwent a comprehensive fitting procedure,...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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author | Sławomir Winiarski Adam Kubiak Adam Paluszak |
author_facet | Sławomir Winiarski Adam Kubiak Adam Paluszak |
author_sort | Sławomir Winiarski |
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description | This study investigates whether electromyography (EMG) analysis can reflect ergonomic improvements for commuter bike users by assessing muscle activity differences between comfort- and performance-oriented saddle positions. A cohort of 30 city bike riders underwent a comprehensive fitting procedure, where one position was individually established based on a comfort perception questionnaire and adjusted by a bike fitter. The aim was to compare the EMG activity of muscles involved in propulsion and lumbar spine stabilisation across different positions. The Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) method was also used to analyse muscle activity throughout the pedalling cycle. The results revealed that the customised position significantly reduced EMG activity in muscles, particularly during key pedalling phases, significantly improving rider comfort and muscle efficiency. SPM analysis highlighted decreased strain in the vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior, indicating improved muscular efficiency and enhanced comfort for urban cyclists. This underscores the importance of personalised bike fitting in promoting comfort and reducing the risk of injury, suggesting that EMG analysis is a valuable tool in both clinical and recreational bike-fitting practices. Future research should explore the long-term effects and potential applications of the proposed fitting method for other bicycle geometries whenever comfort and lower back stability are priorities. |
format | Article |
id | doaj-art-4c8d96359004419f93777662457f092f |
institution | Kabale University |
issn | 2076-3417 |
language | English |
publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
publisher | MDPI AG |
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series | Applied Sciences |
spelling | doaj-art-4c8d96359004419f93777662457f092f2025-01-24T13:20:42ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-01-0115275310.3390/app15020753Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle PositionsSławomir Winiarski0Adam Kubiak1Adam Paluszak2Department of Physiology and Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, PolandDepartment of Physiology and Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, PolandFaculty of Physiology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, PolandThis study investigates whether electromyography (EMG) analysis can reflect ergonomic improvements for commuter bike users by assessing muscle activity differences between comfort- and performance-oriented saddle positions. A cohort of 30 city bike riders underwent a comprehensive fitting procedure, where one position was individually established based on a comfort perception questionnaire and adjusted by a bike fitter. The aim was to compare the EMG activity of muscles involved in propulsion and lumbar spine stabilisation across different positions. The Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) method was also used to analyse muscle activity throughout the pedalling cycle. The results revealed that the customised position significantly reduced EMG activity in muscles, particularly during key pedalling phases, significantly improving rider comfort and muscle efficiency. SPM analysis highlighted decreased strain in the vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior, indicating improved muscular efficiency and enhanced comfort for urban cyclists. This underscores the importance of personalised bike fitting in promoting comfort and reducing the risk of injury, suggesting that EMG analysis is a valuable tool in both clinical and recreational bike-fitting practices. Future research should explore the long-term effects and potential applications of the proposed fitting method for other bicycle geometries whenever comfort and lower back stability are priorities.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/753electromyographybiofeedbackbicyclingergonomicsmuscle fatiguephysical comfort |
spellingShingle | Sławomir Winiarski Adam Kubiak Adam Paluszak Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions Applied Sciences electromyography biofeedback bicycling ergonomics muscle fatigue physical comfort |
title | Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions |
title_full | Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions |
title_fullStr | Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions |
title_full_unstemmed | Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions |
title_short | Statistical Parametric Mapping Differences in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Between Comfort- and Performance-Oriented Saddle Positions |
title_sort | statistical parametric mapping differences in muscle recruitment patterns between comfort and performance oriented saddle positions |
topic | electromyography biofeedback bicycling ergonomics muscle fatigue physical comfort |
url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/753 |
work_keys_str_mv | AT sławomirwiniarski statisticalparametricmappingdifferencesinmusclerecruitmentpatternsbetweencomfortandperformanceorientedsaddlepositions AT adamkubiak statisticalparametricmappingdifferencesinmusclerecruitmentpatternsbetweencomfortandperformanceorientedsaddlepositions AT adampaluszak statisticalparametricmappingdifferencesinmusclerecruitmentpatternsbetweencomfortandperformanceorientedsaddlepositions |