Perceived influence of a compression, posture-cueing shirt on cyclists' ride experience and post-ride recovery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions of experienced cyclists on perceived influence of a posture-cueing shirt with compressive properties on their comfort and recovery.


METHODS
Twenty experienced cyclists wore a compressive shirt during rides and as a postride recovery shirt; cyclists rated their perceived experiences during rides and recovery. They completed 2 separate questionnaires specific to riding or recovery; scores ranged from - 3.0 (negative influence) to + 3.0 (positive influence), addressing posture, discomfort, breathing, and recovery. Data analysis included frequencies and t tests to compare groups.


RESULTS
Cyclists completed 53 rides, averaging 95.48 km (SD = 31.72 km), wearing the shirt and reported a perceived benefit (mean score = 1.17, SD = 0.25). For their postride recovery perceptions, scores averaged 1.99 (SD = 0.48) for perceived benefits for recovery. No differences in scores were identified between male and female cyclists during rides (t = - 0.28, P > .05); however, female riders perceived greater benefit during recovery (t = - 2.24, P < .05). There were no correlations with scores and cyclist age, experience, or ride distances during rides or recovery (r = 0.02-0.35).


CONCLUSIONS
A posture-cueing, compressive shirt was rated to have a perceived benefit by experienced cyclists for riding posture, postride posture, spine discomfort, and postride recovery. This study did not evaluate physical or physiologic variables to confirm these perceptions.
Associate Professor, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA.
Daniel J
DJ
Cipriani
Physical Therapist, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA.
Tiffany S
TS
Yu
Physical Rehabilitation Aide, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, San Diego, CA.
Olia
O
Lyssanova
Back pain; Clothing; Posture