TopSCHOLAR® - ICSK's Student Research Week: Urogenital injuries and pelvic/perineal health in elite female cyclists
 

Urogenital injuries and pelvic/perineal health in elite female cyclists

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Keynote Speaker

Abstract

Less is known about urogenital injuries and pelvic/perineal health in female cyclist than in male cyclist. The pelvis/perineum is one of the main weight bearing surfaces during cycling- the hands and feet complete the points of contact that maintain the cyclist’s weight. Previous studies have surveyed cyclists from heterogenous groups and found higher rates of numbness and sexual dysfunction than in runners. Prevalence of saddle sores, pain, abrasions, decreased sensation, and “cyclist vulva” (soft tissue swelling) have also been assessed but again in subjects with a variety of cycling positions/bikes and hour spent in the saddle. Professional and elite road cyclists spend long hours in the saddle with low handlebar heights and pressure forward on the pelvis. Taking time away from cycling is often not an option or would impact training and race results. Other studies say wider saddles and a more upright position relieve pressure, but this doesn’t meet the need of the professional female road cyclist. The purpose of our ongoing study is to survey elite female cyclist to better understand the prevalence of urogenital overuse injuries in this sporting population, the impact this has on their cycling careers and life off the bikes, and the prevention, mitigation, or treatment strategies they use. We will present a better understanding of overuse injuries in these athletes and also explore future directions for intervention or treatment of urogenital overuse injuries in cyclists with vulvas. In our presentation we will highlight the process of our survey development and barriers that we faced during our study development and implementation.

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Urogenital injuries and pelvic/perineal health in elite female cyclists

Less is known about urogenital injuries and pelvic/perineal health in female cyclist than in male cyclist. The pelvis/perineum is one of the main weight bearing surfaces during cycling- the hands and feet complete the points of contact that maintain the cyclist’s weight. Previous studies have surveyed cyclists from heterogenous groups and found higher rates of numbness and sexual dysfunction than in runners. Prevalence of saddle sores, pain, abrasions, decreased sensation, and “cyclist vulva” (soft tissue swelling) have also been assessed but again in subjects with a variety of cycling positions/bikes and hour spent in the saddle. Professional and elite road cyclists spend long hours in the saddle with low handlebar heights and pressure forward on the pelvis. Taking time away from cycling is often not an option or would impact training and race results. Other studies say wider saddles and a more upright position relieve pressure, but this doesn’t meet the need of the professional female road cyclist. The purpose of our ongoing study is to survey elite female cyclist to better understand the prevalence of urogenital overuse injuries in this sporting population, the impact this has on their cycling careers and life off the bikes, and the prevention, mitigation, or treatment strategies they use. We will present a better understanding of overuse injuries in these athletes and also explore future directions for intervention or treatment of urogenital overuse injuries in cyclists with vulvas. In our presentation we will highlight the process of our survey development and barriers that we faced during our study development and implementation.