Brasil Português

Abstract

Abstract

            Objective: To verify the effects of saddle height adjustment on the perception of comfort in recreational cyclists. Methods: The study was composed of 14 cyclists (8 men) who use the bicycle recreationally. The participants underwent anthropometric measurements (body mass, height and height from the perineum to the floor) that were used to individually adjust the height of the bicycle saddle using the LeMond method. Before and after the adjustment, the participant covered a pre-established circuit with a distance of 2 km and elevation gain of 36 m, at self-selected intensity. In both rounds, participants were asked about their subjective perception of comfort. Results: There was a significant difference (-2 cm) between pre and post adjustment in saddle height (p=0.040) as well as in perceived comfort (p=0.044), with a 16% increase in responses. Conclusion: Adjusting the height of the saddle using the LeMond method was efficient in increasing the perception of comfort in the participants of this study. The adoption of this method suggested the need for height reduction to improve the comfort perception of recreational cyclists.