Anterior saddle conflict in women cycling: a case study

Abstract

Women's cycling is growing rapidly, but as it is a recent development, women do not always find products that are suitable for them. It is well known that women are particularly sensitive about their seating position on the bike and have difficulties in finding the right saddle. The choice of saddle is often made by default. We have noticed that an unsuitable saddle can cause the pelvis tilt, as if to avoid resting on an irritating spine. The aim of our case study was to investigate the effects of a custom-made saddle against an anterior saddle conflict that had been going on for several years. Our subject is an international female cyclist who rides for a UCI Women Continental team. She had unilateral vulvar lymphoedema and knee pain on the same side. She was already wearing orthopaedic corrections to stabilise her position on the bike. The stability gain was partial. Knee and seat pain remained. We compared the athlete's original saddle with the custom-made saddle without foam and with foam. Kinematics, kinetics, saddle pressure and comfort perception were measured while riding at 70-75% of estimated MAP and with 2 different cadences: 90-95rpm (power) and 70-75rpm (strength). The bearing surface of the saddle increased significantly. The maximum saddle pressures were reduced. The distribution of lateral and anteroposterior pressures was clearly rebalanced. The saddle was perceived to be clearly comfortable. However, no changes could be detected in the kinematics and kinetics of pedalling. This case study seems to verify that material-specific saddle conflict is a reality. The custom-made saddle could be a solution to this indication. The advantages and disadvantages of the different customised techniques are however still to be studied, as well as the effect they could have on a larger group.