Cycling is an excellent exercise but taking it to an elite level can lead to a variety of health problems. The latest advances in bicycle design and technology, coupled with more aggressive training, has led to a higher incidence of injuries among competitive cyclists.
Pain in the lower back, knee, shoulder, and neck, as well as stiffness and numbness in the hands are common ailments among riders who spend long hours on their bikes. A study of 51 elite riders over a six-year period (2003 to 2009) showed a ten percent increase in traumatic injuries (38.4 percent to 48.6 percent). When compared to a group of 65 professional cyclists surveyed from 1983 to 1995, the racers in today’s circuit – with current technology and training – are experiencing higher traumatic injuries: 0.98 per current racer versus 0.54 per racer in the earlier period. Overuse injuries were also higher in today’s competitive circuit: 1.04 per racer in the latest study group versus .86 per racer in the earlier research. The rates were measured per rider, per year, and per 1000 kilometers of riding.[1]Advances in bicycle design over the past 20 years have resulted in sleeker, faster bikes. Racing at higher speeds, particularly in packed fields of riders, is a surefire recipe for disaster. Cyclists are putting more strain on their bodies, and with increased competition on the race circuit, their training regimens have added to the physical stresses. In fact, the majority of injuries occur prior to major events, during which competitors push themselves to train even harder.
The most common overuse injury among professional cyclists is patellofemoral pain syndrome, which accounts for about one-fourth of all cycling injuries. Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as ‘runner’s knee’, is caused by excessive stress on the knee, causing a dull, aching pain where the knee connects with the femur. In cyclists, the condition is most often caused by a saddle or cleat that is positioned too low. Patellofemoral pain can also come from the downward push of the pedal stroke.
Pain in the lower back, knee, shoulder, and neck, as well as stiffness and numbness in the hands are common ailments among riders who spend long hours on their bikes. A study of 51 elite riders over a six-year period (2003 to 2009) showed a ten percent increase in traumatic injuries (38.4 percent to 48.6 percent). When compared to a group of 65 professional cyclists surveyed from 1983 to 1995, the racers in today’s circuit – with current technology and training – are experiencing higher traumatic injuries: 0.98 per current racer versus 0.54 per racer in the earlier period. Overuse injuries were also higher in today’s competitive circuit: 1.04 per racer in the latest study group versus .86 per racer in the earlier research. The rates were measured per rider, per year, and per 1000 kilometers of riding.[1]Advances in bicycle design over the past 20 years have resulted in sleeker, faster bikes. Racing at higher speeds, particularly in packed fields of riders, is a surefire recipe for disaster. Cyclists are putting more strain on their bodies, and with increased competition on the race circuit, their training regimens have added to the physical stresses. In fact, the majority of injuries occur prior to major events, during which competitors push themselves to train even harder.
The most common overuse injury among professional cyclists is patellofemoral pain syndrome, which accounts for about one-fourth of all cycling injuries. Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as ‘runner’s knee’, is caused by excessive stress on the knee, causing a dull, aching pain where the knee connects with the femur. In cyclists, the condition is most often caused by a saddle or cleat that is positioned too low. Patellofemoral pain can also come from the downward push of the pedal stroke.