Balance of Upper Limb Muscle Activation and Aerodynamics for Cycling Posture Optimization

Xiangru Li, Peng Zhou, Xin Zhang

2025

Abstract

Cycling postures significantly influence aerodynamic performance in competitive cycling, yet aggressive postures may increase muscle activation and lead to adverse physiological effects. This study evaluated the aerodynamic drag area (CdA) of various cycling postures in a wind tunnel, revealing a strong correlation with decreasing forearm angles. Surface electromyography (sEMG) tests were conducted to assess upper limb muscle activation across postures, identifying the triceps brachii (TB) as dominant in maintaining both hoods and drops positions (46.9% and 40.2% of total activation, respectively). Additionally, this study explores the trade-off between aerodynamic gains and muscle activation by examining the relationship between CdA and composite EMG. A Pareto front analysis identified locally optimal postures that balance these factors, potentially enhancing overall cyclist performance.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Li X., Zhou P. and Zhang X. (2025). Balance of Upper Limb Muscle Activation and Aerodynamics for Cycling Posture Optimization. In Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support - Volume 1: icSPORTS; ISBN 978-989-758-771-9, SciTePress, pages 50-56. DOI: 10.5220/0013677000003988

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icsports25,
author={Xiangru Li and Peng Zhou and Xin Zhang},
title={Balance of Upper Limb Muscle Activation and Aerodynamics for Cycling Posture Optimization},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support - Volume 1: icSPORTS},
year={2025},
pages={50-56},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013677000003988},
isbn={978-989-758-771-9},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support - Volume 1: icSPORTS
TI - Balance of Upper Limb Muscle Activation and Aerodynamics for Cycling Posture Optimization
SN - 978-989-758-771-9
AU - Li X.
AU - Zhou P.
AU - Zhang X.
PY - 2025
SP - 50
EP - 56
DO - 10.5220/0013677000003988
PB - SciTePress