Effects of saddle height on frontal-plane hip cycling biomechanics

Few studies have examined the frontal-plane biomechanics of the hip during stationary cycling. Additionally, very few studies have examined adjusting saddle height on the frontal-plane biomechanics of the hip joint. This study examined the impact of adjusting saddle height based on knee flexion angle on hip joint biomechanics. Fourteen trained cyclists were recruited and cycled at three saddle heights (20, 30, and 40 degrees of knee flexion) at two workrates (80 and 120 Watts). Instrumented pedals and 3-D motion capture were used to collect data. It was found that the hip joint experiences greater hip abduction moment at lower saddle heights at the 120 Watts workrate. First and second peak hip extension moments were significantly affected by saddle height, with greater moments experienced at higher saddle heights.