Effects of an ergonomic saddle on mechanical efficiency, muscular activity and rate of perceived exertion during submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer

Purpose. - The aim of this study was to analyse perceptive, muscular and physiological modifications induced by an ergonomic saddle that has no perineum support and allowing pelvis mediolateral movement. Method. - Eight non cyclists conducted a cycle exercise on an ergometer corresponding to four bouts (3-min each bout) at incremental power output (50 to 200 W) with standard and ergonomic saddles, in randomised order between saddles. Rate of perceived exertion, electromyography activities of six lower limb muscles and mechanical efficiency were continuously measured during each bout. Conclusions. - Efficiency at 50 W was significantly reduced with ergonomic saddle versus standard, which could be explained by an increase of the internal work with the ergonomic saddle due to the pelvis movement. In contrast, at the higher workload of 200 W, the gross efficiency was not different between saddles and the rate of perceived exertion was significantly reduced with ergonomic saddle versus standard. Moreover, lower muscular activation (-18 and -23%) was shown at 200 W on vastus lateralis muscle (one of the mean muscular force producers) and tibialis anterior muscle (one of the muscles facilitating top and bottom dead centres). All these results allowed to expect a pedalling efficiency improvement with the ergonomic saddle. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.