Biomechanics of Cycling


Book Description

Bicycles have been a common device to enhance physical fitness level in gyms and training centers along with solid use in competitive sport. For that reason, biomechanics of cycling has grown as a research field with many publications addressing different perspective of the interaction between the cyclist and his bicycle. The most common end point of research on biomechanics of cycling is optimization of performance and reduction of injury risk. One goal of this book is to meet the growing need for a comprehensive presentation of contemporary knowledge on biomechanics of cycling which will positively influence the activity of cycling in a global fashion. In order to accomplish this purpose, ten chapters are presented with focus on varying methods for biomechanical analysis of cycling motion. The introduction section provides an overview of the main methods for assessment of cycling motion, including motion analysis, pedal force measurements, muscle activation, anthropometry and joint kinetics. These methods are discussed in depth in individual chapters followed by chapters on characteristics of bicycles and potential perspectives to improve their configuration in order to improve performance of cyclists and reduce their overuse injury risk. Moreover, a preliminary method to train technique in cyclists is shown. A final chapter provides authors perspective on the upcoming technology that should be effective in helping training of cyclists.




Cycling Science


Book Description

Finally, the authoritative resource that serious cyclists have been waiting for has arrived. The perfect blend of science and application, Cycling Science takes you inside the sport, into the training room and research lab, and onto the course. A remarkable achievement, Cycling Science features the following: • Contributions from 43 top cycling scientists and coaches from around the world • The latest thinking on the rider-machine interface, including topics such as bike fit, aerodynamics, biomechanics, and pedaling technique • Information about environmental stressors, including heat, altitude, and air pollution • A look at health issues such as on-bike and off-bike nutrition, common injuries, fatigue, overtraining, and recovery • Help in planning training programs, including using a power meter, managing cycling data, off-the-bike training, cycling specific stretching, and mental training • The latest coaching and racing techniques, including pacing theories, and strategies for road, track, MTB, BMX, and ultra-distance events In this book, editors and cycling scientists Stephen Cheung, PhD, and Mikel Zabala, PhD, have assembled the latest information for serious cyclists.







Preferred Movement Patterns in Cycling


Book Description

For cyclists looking for an edge, a great place to start is with a training routine which focuses on the fundamentals. The concept of preferred movement patterns represents a fundamental transformation of conventional mindsets¿the passive cyclist becomes, instead, a dynamic one. The result is greater speed, improved power output, and better performance. Using techniques such as the Trunk Pelvic Roll and Sidebend Hip Hike, author Brian Maldonado boldly challenges the preconception that the pelvis is fixed on the saddle, with hands and feet fixed on the handlebars and pedals. With detailed tips, exercises, and biomechanical analysis, this book gives coaches and athletes valuable movement patterns that can help them conquer their performance plateaus. Placed within a scientific context, the material remains easily applicable to the needs of those striving for the highest levels of performance. The result¿a versatile program to bridge the gap from beginner to elite athlete¿is in your hands.




The Complete Book of Road Cycling & Racing


Book Description

Ride faster, fitter, smarter, & farther Every road rider has goals. Yours may be to begin racing, to become more competitive, or to win a specific tour. Not interested in racing? Perhaps you want to complete your first century ride, improve your overall fitness, or ride father and faster just for the sheer joy of flying on two wheels. No matter what your goals, The Complete Book of Road Cycling and Racing gives you all the information you need to become a better, more performance-focused cyclist. Written by an accomplished racing coach, cyclist, and exercise physiologist, this book shows you how to: Fit the bike to your body for maximum efficiency and comfort Ride safely in a group Cope with any weather or altitude Maintain your bike Prepare for races of all types Master racing strategies and tactics Train efficiently and stay in peak condition year-round And much more




Bike Fit


Book Description

The essential practical guide to setting up your bike to maximise performance and avoid injury, written by renowned Lead Physiotherapist at British Cycling, and Consultant to Team Sky, Phil Burt. Foreword by Sir Chris Hoy and introduction by Chris Boardman.




Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace


Book Description

Every year workers' low-back, hand, and arm problems lead to time away from jobs and reduce the nation's economic productivity. The connection of these problems to workplace activities-from carrying boxes to lifting patients to pounding computer keyboards-is the subject of major disagreements among workers, employers, advocacy groups, and researchers. Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace examines the scientific basis for connecting musculoskeletal disorders with the workplace, considering people, job tasks, and work environments. A multidisciplinary panel draws conclusions about the likelihood of causal links and the effectiveness of various intervention strategies. The panel also offers recommendations for what actions can be considered on the basis of current information and for closing information gaps. This book presents the latest information on the prevalence, incidence, and costs of musculoskeletal disorders and identifies factors that influence injury reporting. It reviews the broad scope of evidence: epidemiological studies of physical and psychosocial variables, basic biology, biomechanics, and physical and behavioral responses to stress. Given the magnitude of the problem-approximately 1 million people miss some work each year-and the current trends in workplace practices, this volume will be a must for advocates for workplace health, policy makers, employers, employees, medical professionals, engineers, lawyers, and labor officials.




Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise


Book Description

Please note: This text was replaced with a fourth edition. This version is available only for courses using the third edition and will be discontinued at the end of the semester. Taking a unique approach to the presentation of mechanical concepts, Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise eBook, Third Edition With Web Resource, introduces exercise and sport biomechanics in simple terms. By providing mechanics before functional anatomy, the book helps students understand forces and their effects before studying how body structures deal with forces. Students will learn to appreciate the consequences of external forces, how the body generates internal forces to maintain position, and how forces create movement in physical activities. Rather than presenting the principles as isolated and abstract, the text enables students to discover the principles of biomechanics for themselves through observation. By examining ordinary activities firsthand, students will develop meaningful explanations resulting in a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanical concepts. This practical approach combines striking visual elements with clear and concise language to encourage active learning and improved comprehension. This updated edition maintains the organization and features that made previous editions user friendly, such as a quick reference guide of frequently used equations printed on the inside cover and review questions at the end of each chapter to test students’ understanding of important concepts. The third edition also incorporates new features to facilitate learning: • Two online resources incorporate sample problems and use of video to allow practical application of the material. • New art and diagrams enhance problem sets and help students visualize the mechanics of real-world scenarios. • Increased number of review questions (200) and problem sets (120) provide an opportunity for practical application of concepts. • Greater emphasis on the basics, including improved descriptions of conversions and an expanded explanation of the assumption of point mass when modeling objects, provides a stronger foundation for understanding. • New content on deriving kinematic data from video or film and the use of accelerometers in monitoring physical activity keeps students informed of technological advances in the field. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise eBook, Third Edition With Web Resource, is supplemented with two companion resources that will help students better comprehend the material. Packaged with this e-book, the web resource includes all of the problems from the book, separated by chapter, plus 18 sample problems that guide students step by step through the process of solving. This e-book may also be enhanced with access to MaxTRAQ Educational 2D software for Windows. MaxTRAQ Educational 2D software enables students to analyze and quantify real-world sport movements in video clips and upload their own video content for analysis. The software supplements the final section of the text that bridges the concepts of internal and external forces with the application of biomechanics; it also provides an overview of the technology used in conducting quantitative biomechanical analyses. The MaxTRAQ Educational 2D software must be purchased separately to supplement this e-book at the MaxTRAQ website. Instructors will benefit from an updated ancillary package. An instructor guide outlines each chapter and offers step-by-step solutions to the quantitative problems presented, as well as sample lecture topics, student activities, and teaching tips. A test package makes it easy to prepare quizzes and tests, and an image bank contains most of the figures and tables from the text for use in developing course presentations. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Third Edition, is ideal for those needing a deeper understanding of biomechanics from a qualitative perspective. Thoroughly updated and expanded, this text makes the biomechanics of physical activity easy to understand and apply.




High-performance Cycling


Book Description

High-Performance Cycling is all about going faster and pushing the limits of your ability. If you want the latest training, equipment, and technique used by the best cyclists in the world, then this is the book for you. High-Performance Cycling presents the latest applied research on cycling biomechanics, aerodynamics, testing, training, injuries, nutrition, equipment, and racing from top cycling experts from Europe, North America, and Australia. Everything in the book will have a direct effect on your performance. You'll learn how to - test your potential, - design a program to meet your racing goals, - monitor your training progress and program effectiveness, - improve the aerodynamics of your riding position, - fuel your body properly for better racing performance, and - stay-injury free and avoid the pitfalls of overtraining. You'll also learn which aspects of cycling are most important--and which improvements will most directly affect your cycling performance. High-Performance Cycling gives you a better idea of what the pro teams do so that you can improve your own performance!




Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists


Book Description

Even the best cyclists and coaches can miss small details that can lead to serious injuries over the course of many miles on the bike. Andy Pruitt, renowned for his expertise in preventing and treating cycling injuries, has consulted with professional athletes throughout his career, including Lance Armstrong and Axel Merckx. Using computerized pedaling analysis, he has made it possible for countless athletes to achieve the elusive perfect bike fit, thereby dramatically improving their performance. This medical guide draws on his years of experience in this area. He describes the sport's most common ailments, identifying the symptoms and causes as well as treatments that keep athletes on the road. Written in an accessible, straightforward manner, the book tackles everything from personal training programs to biomechanics, from aging to riding through illness. Perhaps most importantly, riders learn how to make critical adjustments to bike fit, leading to increased comfort, power, and efficiency -- and fewer problems.