Abstract
This study examined force and repetition during simulated distance cycling with regard
to how they may possibly influence the on-set of the overuse injury at the knee called
iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS). A 3D motion analysis system was used to
track lower limb kinematics during cycling. Forces between the pedal and foot were
collected using a pressure-instrumented insole that slipped into the shoe. Ten recreational
athletes (30.6±5.5 years) with no known history of ITBFS participated in the study.
Foot–pedal force, knee flexion angle and crank angle were examined as they relate
to the causes of ITBFS. Specifically, foot–pedal force, repetition and impingement
time were calculated and compared with the same during running. A minimum knee flexion
angle of approximately 33° occurred at a crank angle of 170°. The foot–pedal force
at this point was 231 N. This minimum knee flexion angle falls near the edge of the
impingement zone of the iliotibial band (ITB) and the femoral epicondyle, and is the
point at which ITBFS is aggravated causing pain at the knee. The foot–pedal forces
during cycling are only 18% of those occurring during running while the ITB is in
the impingement zone. Thus, repetition of the knee in the impingement zone during
cycling appears to play a more prominent role than force in the on-set of ITBFS. The
results also suggest that ITBFS may be further aggravated by improper seat position
(seat too high), anatomical differences, and training errors while cycling.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 8,
2002
Received:
April 9,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
