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,...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sławomir Winiarski, Adam Kubiak, Adam Paluszak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/753
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1832589181129326592
author Sławomir Winiarski
Adam Kubiak
Adam Paluszak
author_facet Sławomir Winiarski
Adam Kubiak
Adam Paluszak
author_sort Sławomir Winiarski
collection DOAJ
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
record_format Article
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