A field based approach for examining bicycle seat design effects on seat pressure and perceived stability
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Applied Ergonomics
Volume
40
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
11-1-2008
First Page
472
Last Page
476
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various bicycle seat designs on seat pressure and perceived stability in male and female cyclists using a unique field-based methodology. Thirty participants, comprising male and female cyclists, pedaled a bicycle at 118W over a 350m flat course under three different seat conditions: standard seat, a seat with a partial anterior cutout, and a seat with a complete anterior cutout. The pressure between the bicycle seat and perineum of the cyclist was collected with a remote pressure-sensing mat, and perceived stability was assessed using a continuous visual analogue scale. Anterior seat pressure and stability values for the complete cutout seat were significantly lower (p<0.05; 62-101%) than values for the standard and partial cutout designs. These findings were consistent between males and females. Our results would support the contention that the choice of saddle design should not be dictated by interface pressure alone since optimal anterior seat pressure and perceived seat stability appear to be inversely related. A field-based approach for examining bicycle seat design effects on seat pressure and perceived stability. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23477805_A_field-based_approach_for_examining_bicycle_seat_design_effects_on_seat_pressure_and_perceived_stability [accessed Dec 13 2017].
Recommended Citation
Bressel, E., Bliss, S.G., and Cronin, J. (2009). A field based approach for examining bicycle seat design effects on seat pressure and perceived stability. Applied Ergonomics, 40, 472–476.
