E Ffects of S Addle H Eight on E Conomy and

Abstract

Peveler, WW and Green, JM. Effects of saddle height on economy and anaerobic power in well-trained cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 24(x): 000-000, 2010-In cycling, saddle height adjustment is critical for optimal performance and injury prevention. A 25-35 degrees knee angle is recommended for injury prevention, whereas 109% of inseam, measured from floor to ischium, is recommended for optimal performance. Previous research has demonstrated that these 2 methods produce significantly different saddle heights and may influence cycling performance. This study compared performance between these 2 methods for determining saddle height. Subjects consisted of 11 well-trained (&OV0312;o2max = 61.55 4.72 ml.kg.min) male cyclists. Subjects completed a total of 8 performance trials consisting of a graded maximal protocol, three 15-minute economy trials, and 4 anaerobic power trials. Dependent measures for economy (&OV0312;o2, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion) and anaerobic power (peak power and mean power) were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05). &OV0312;o2 was significantly lower (reflecting greater economy) at a 25 degrees knee angle (44.77 6.40 ml.kg.min) in comparison to a 35 degrees knee angle (45.22 6.79 ml.kg.min) and 109% of inseam (45.98 5.33 ml.kg.min). Peak power at a 25 degrees knee angle (1,041.55 168.72 W) was significantly higher in relation to 109% of inseam (1,002.05 147.65 W). Mean power at a 25 degrees knee angle (672.37 90.21 W) was significantly higher in relation to a 35 degrees knee angle (654.71 80.67 W). Mean power was significantly higher at 109% of inseam (662.86 79.72 W) in relation to a 35 degrees knee angle (654.71 80.67 W). Use of 109% of inseam fell outside the recommended 25-35 degrees range 73% of the time. Use of 25 degrees knee angle appears to provide optimal performance while keeping knee angle within the recommended range for injury prevention.