Its goal? Help cyclists, professionals or amateurs, to identify the most correct posture to maintain on the saddle. In this way, postural problems are avoided and the risk of injury is minimized.
What does the biomechanical of cycling do?
In recent years, thanks to the desire to be outdoors and the need to marry sports that do not involve contact, cycling has experienced a real boom. Hence, the figure of the biomechanical of cycling has begun to play an increasingly crucial and required role.
The figure of the biomechanical of cycling, in truth, is not recognized in Italy. To date, there is only one course that deals with prevention and performance improvement through the biomechanical visit. This course is reserved for graduates in Physiotherapy with ECM accreditation (Continuing Medical Education). But what does the biomechanical of cycling specifically deal with?
The biomechanical of cycling studies the relationship between the points of support of the bicycle (saddle, pedals, handlebars) and the application of the force that the body generates when pedaling. An investigation aimed at improving the use of the bike by the cyclist, so that he assumes the right posture and pedals efficiently. The aim of biomechanics is therefore to reduce the risk of injuries and to improve the aerodynamics and energy cost of pedaling.
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Why a biomechanical visit is important
Biomechanics plays a fundamental role in cycling. In fact, it allows to improve physical performance by 50%, to solve posture problems, and to prevent injuries by analyzing muscle power and position on the bicycle, so as to correct it and improve it as needed. Hence, for cyclists, a biomechanical visit is important.
Long cycling with poor posture can cause muscle and joint disorders. Disorders that, while pedaling, can result in pain in the knees and back or tingling in the hands. But which, in the long run, can turn into something more serious. Correcting posture and pedaling helps to avoid this.
What tools does the biomechanical of cycling use
The biomechanical of cycling, carrying out a biomechanical evaluation, analyzes the cyclist's body parameters and establishes which is the most correct posture for him. In fact, a standard position does not exist: it all depends on the build, the type of bike used, and any problems encountered.
To carry out the assessment, it is therefore necessary to know body anatomy, physiology, physics and posturology: hence the need to have a degree in Motor Sciences or Physiotherapy.
What tools does the biomechanical of cycling use? The most effective tool is the biomechanical analysis software. It is a video analysis software for professional bike fit which, born from a close collaboration between Engineering and Physiotherapy and combined with suitable hardware, allows you to measure with extreme precision the most suitable position to keep on a bicycle. This position is valid only and exclusively for that cyclist.
How the visit to the biomechanical works
The visit to the biomechanical, through the software and hardware system designed for the purpose, analyzes aspects such as:
● the position of the foot on the pedal
● the height of the saddle
● the position of the handlebar
Based on the data obtained, the visit allows you to get the best pedaling possible for the discipline practiced (racing bike, MTB, time trial, downhill, track racing).
Maintaining the correct posture on the bike allows you to have a more efficient and more competitive pedaling, while decreasing the likelihood of incurring injuries. Undergoing a biomechanical examination therefore allows you to find the most suitable position for yourself.
