Who doesn’t love a nice bike ride or cycling class? Most people regard it as a very enjoyable form of exercise. But, there is some confusion about how posture when writing can affect the lower back and whether cycling is beneficial for recovery from low back pain.
Bicycles have a round back, flat back, or curved in back, which is based on the degree of pelvic rotation and spinal flexion. The choice of posture while riding a bike is usually related to seat height, seat angle or tilt, and handlebar type. There are some handlebars that offer a few options as to where you can place your hands. This could be on the grips, on the bar, or on the drops.
Many people think that flat back posture is best for the lower back because it avoids the two extremes. Contrary to Many people think that flat back posture is best for the lower back because it avoids the two extremes. Contrary to disbelief, this position is associated with increased wind resistance and will mostly be avoided by more serious cyclist who are looking to ride as efficiently as possible.
A study looked at the lumbar spine angle of young cyclists as they utilized each posture in 10 minute intervals with all different bike configurations. They found that the curve in the back position caused by gripping the drops resulted in the greatest increase in spinal flexion over time. For those with a low back condition, this increased spinal flexion could result in more pain and symptoms.
And another study looked at how a bike is fit, the cyclists position, and perception of comfort, pain, and fatigue. 20 cyclists rode In three different positions for 45 minutes at 50% of their peak aerobic power output. In three different positions for 45 minutes at 50% of therapy aerobic power output. The three positions were defined by two power meters which were near Flexing angle and trunk flex and angle in random order. The study concluded that having the trunk upright and the seat height adjusted so that knee flexion angle was 30° was the most comfortable position for participants.
They also found that tilting the seat forward allowed for less lower back pain in those with the condition we’re defined by two power meters which were near Flexing angle and trunk flex and angle in random order. The study concluded that having the trunk upright and the seat height adjusted so that knee flexion angle was 30° was the most comfortable position for participants. They also found that tilting the seat forward allowed for lower back pain in those with the condition.
We encourage those to exercise as recovery for low back pain. Cycling is a great option because of its low impact nature. It is important to make sure your bike is fitted so that you can comfortably ride with the proper posture.
If you have back pain from cycling, we’re here to help. We have a gym and our setup is heavily focused on sports rehabilitation too. Call today or schedule an appointment above.
