title: Relative variances of the cadence frequency of cycling under two differential saddle heights.
abstract: [Purpose] Bicycle saddle height is a critical factor for cycling performance and injury prevention. The present study compared the variance in cadence frequency after exercise fatigue between saddle heights with 25° and 35° knee flexion. [Methods] Two saddle heights, which were determined by setting the pedal at the bottom dead point with 35° and 25° knee flexion, were used for testing. The relative variances of the cadence frequency were calculated at the end of a 5-minute warm-up period and 5 minutes after inducing exercise fatigue. Comparison of the absolute values of the cadence frequency under the two saddle heights revealed a difference in pedaling efficiency. [Results] Five minutes after inducing exercise fatigue, the relative variances of the cadence frequency for the saddle height with 35° knee flexion was higher than that for the saddle height with 25° knee flexion. [Conclusion] The current finding demonstrated that a saddle height with 25° knee flexion is more appropriate for cyclists than a saddle height with 35° knee flexion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wen-Dien
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Da Chien General Hospital: No. 6 Shin Guang Street, Miaoli, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chin-Yun
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Fan Chiang
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Da Chien General Hospital, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ping-Tung
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical and Health Education, Center for General Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chia-Lun
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Sz-Ming
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Fang
keywords: Exercise; Pedaling efficiency; Saddle height