biomechanics, physical therapy

3. 0 Cycling is one of the safest non-contact sports.
0 Due to light joint workloads, cycling is advisable in early phases of post-
surgical and post-traumatic rehabilitation of the motor system as the
injured joint can be exposed to a relatively low workload combined with
a relatively large muscle effort.

4. • Cycling allows the rider to exercise without unduly stressing the
joints.
• Because of the smooth pedalling motion, very little stress occurs
at the bone.
• Athletes who only participate in cycling have an increased risk of
osteoporosis.
• This is another reason why weight training is crucial for
professional cyclists.

5. The phases of a pedal’s revolution
:
(i) downstroke phase (from 0° to 180° ].
(ii) upstroke phase (from 180° to 360°) .
(iii) two transitional phases (± 5° from the
TDC and BDC).

7. Raasch & Zajac (1999)
E/F group the RF/TA group the HAM/SG group
Gluteus maximus Hamstrings
Vastus medialis Tibialis anterior
Vastus lateralis Gastrocnemius
Iliopsoas Rectus femoris Soleus
Bicep femoris

8. 0 The main purpose of the E/F group is to generate energy for pedalling.
0 The RF/TA and HAM/SG groups mainly act as rigid transmitters to
improve the efficiency of energy transfer between the segments.
0 The HAM/SG groups are mainly active at the end of the first phase and
help in the transition to the second phase.
0 The RF/TA group provides energy at the end of the second phase of the
revolution and helps in the transition to the new revolution cycle.

10. 0 Starting at 0° the gluteus maximus activates to extend the hip for the first 45° of
the pedal stroke.
0 During the last 45° to the position just after 180° the hamstrings are activated.
0 From 45° to 125° the gluteus maximus and hamstrings work together to extend
the hip.
0 During the recovery phase the hip flexor muscles, the iliopsoas and the rectus
femoris are activated and continue the motion of the hip.
0 The rectus femoris contracts during the last stage of the recovery phase to flex
the hip in preparation for the next pedal stroke.

11. ABDOMEN
0 The rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, and obliques
(internal and external) provide anterior and lateral support to
the trunk.

12. UPPER EXTREMITY
0 Biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles all work together to stabilize the
trunk through the shoulder joint.
0 The rhomboid, rotator cuff, and deltoid help maintain proper stability
and position.
0 Pectoralis major and minor allow you to lean forward on the bike and
move the handlebars from side to side while climbing.

13. BACK
0 The erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius
muscles support the spine as you lean forward on the
bike.

14. NECK
0 Riding also stresses your neck.
0 Both the splenius and the trapezius help keep your eyes on the
road by extending your neck.