Effect of Oscillation on Perineal Pressure in Cyclists: Implications for Micro-Trauma

Sexual Medicine - Tập 6 - Trang 239-247 - 2018
Thomas Sanford1, Adam J. Gadzinski2, Thomas Gaither1, E. Charles Osterberg2, Greg P. Murphy1, Peter R. Carroll1, Benjamin N. Breyer1
1Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
2Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

Tóm tắt

Abstract Background Genital numbness and erectile dysfunction in cyclists may result from repeated perineal impacts on the bicycle saddle (micro-trauma) that occur during routine cycling. Aim To evaluate the relationship between oscillation forces and perineal pressures among cyclists in a simulated laboratory setting. Methods Participants were fit to a study bicycle to ensure all cyclists had the same torso angle (60 ± 1 degree) and maximum knee angle (150 ± 1 degree). A lever system was used to generate oscillation events of 3 progressively increasing magnitudes. Perineal pressure was continuously measured using a pressure sensor on the bicycle saddle. This process was carried out in each of the following conditions: (1) stationary (not pedaling) with the standard seatpost, (2) pedaling with standard seatpost, (3) stationary with seatpost shock absorber, and (4) pedaling with seatpost shock absorber. Outcomes We compared perineal pressure changes during oscillation events in the stationary and pedaling states, with and without the seatpost shock absorber. Results A total of 39 individuals were recruited (29 men and 10 women). As the amount of oscillation increased from an average of 0.7g (acceleration due to Earth’s gravity) to 1.3g, the perineal pressure increased from 10.3% over baseline to 19.4% over baseline. There was a strong linear relationship between the amount of oscillation and increase in pressure (r2 = 0.8, P < .001). A seatpost shock absorber decreased the impact of oscillation by 53% in the stationary condition. Men and women absorbed the majority of shock in areas corresponding to pelvic bony landmarks. Conclusion This study represents one of the first characterizations of cycling-associated perineal micro-trauma in a laboratory setting. We found a strong linear relationship between oscillation magnitude and perineal pressure during cycling, which was mitigated by a seatpost shock absorber. The use of shock absorption in bicycle design may reduce perineal micro-trauma and potentially improve cycling-associated perineal numbness and erectile dysfunction.

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Sexual Medicine

Tập 6

239-247

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