Cycling is a sport that generally has lower impact
forces than running but cyclists still suffer from a
considerable number of injuries, the most common
of which seem to be at the knee. Although various
tips for treatment are available in the descriptive
literature, there is a dearth of prospective controlled
trials which can help treating clinicians to
be more certain of the cause and effect of injury
and tailor their treatment accordingly. Sadly, the
treatment of musculoskeletal problems in cyclists is
predominantly an evidence based free zone.
Some sophisticated kinetic and kinematic data
has given insights into the way in which forces,
especially at the knee, can be altered for the
better, but it seems we are no nearer being able to
describe normative data for treatment options such
as orthotics, pedal alignment and seat height.
Therefore, although these studies can give guidance
as to the direction of treatment and bike
modification, these adjustments are still very much
based on trial and error to suit the individual
cyclist.
Nevertheless, all practitioners involved in treating
cyclists should be aware of the various
modifications available both to the cyclist’s body
and the bicycle itself in order to alleviate or
prevent these injuries.