Prevention and rehabilitation of common injuries in cyclists

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i2.48216

Keywords:

Cycling; Physical therapy; Injury prevention; Rehabilitation; Sports performance.

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing practice of cycling, both as a sport and as a means of transportation, a higher prevalence of activity-related injuries has been observed. Objective: This article aims to review the literature on the role of physical therapy in preventing and rehabilitating common injuries among cyclists. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed, SciELO, and PEDro databases for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Results: Physical therapy interventions, including bicycle posture adjustments, muscle strengthening exercises, and rehabilitation strategies, proved effective in preventing and rehabilitating injuries, significantly contributing to health promotion and improved cycling performance. Conclusion: It is concluded that physical therapy offers personalized and evidence-based approaches, reducing the incidence of injuries. However, further studies are needed to enhance preventive and rehabilitation practices specific to cyclists.

References

Bendich, A. (1998). Antioxidant nutrients and immune function. International Journal of Sports Nutrition, 8(1), 1-8.

Burnett, A., Elliott, M., & Knee, A. C. (2004). The effects of cycling on lumbar spine health. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 34(7), 401-407.

Callaghan, J. P. (2005). The effect of bicycle seat position on the kinematics of the lower limbs. Journal of Sports Science, 23(4), 263-272.

Cameron, M. (2017). Effects of strength training on cycling performance: A systematic review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(10), 2792-2800.

Caniato, R. (1989). Projeto de ciência integrada: A Terra em que vivemos (Vol. 1, 5ª ed. rev. e ampl.). Papirus.

Casarin, S. T. et al. (2020). Tipos de revisão de literatura: considerações das editoras do Journal of Nursing and Health. Revista de Enfermagem e Saúde. 10 (5). https://periodicos.ufpel.edu.br/index.php/enfermagem/article/view/19924.

Esculier, J. F., Vanina, M., & Reis, S. P. (2017). Effects of cycling on muscle function and joint health: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, 26(4), 267-279.

Feldman, D. I., Kelly, R. F., Lindenfeld, J. K., & Schwartz, J. (2009). Effect of low-back pain on cycling performance and muscle activation. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(2), 521-528.

Goss, D. L., Wolfe, T. J., Berman, A. P., & Seitz, A. L. (2009). Lower limb kinematics and kinetics during cycling: A review. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(4), 282-289.

Hendriks, I. J., Sander, T. H., & Schouten, E. G. (2000). Benefits of cycling: Environmental and health considerations. Journal of Environmental Health, 62(6), 342-348.

Holmes, J. H., & Pruitt, A. L. (1994). Cycling biomechanics and injury prevention. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(4), 445-453.

Knoester, A. (2008). Overuse injuries in competitive cyclists. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 18(5), 435-441.

Mattar, E. P., & Ramos, D. (2021). Pesquisa qualitativa em saúde: Desafios e contribuições metodológicas. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 55(e20210021), 1-8.

Matthews, C. E., Cunningham, D. A., & Dorsey, J. M. (2007). Cycling and mortality: The effect of exercise intensity and frequency. American Journal of Epidemiology, 165(10), 1190-1197.

Minayo, M. C. S. (2012). O desafio do conhecimento: Pesquisa qualitativa em saúde (14a ed.). Hucitec.

Oja, P., Titze, S., & Baumann, A. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: Evidence from epidemiological studies. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 21(5), 621-630.

Rother, E. T. (2007). Revisão sistemática X revisão narrativa. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 47(3), 188-194.

Schroeder, T., & Best, R. M. (2015). Myofascial release in the prevention of cycling injuries: A review. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 55(2), 85-92.

Silva, F. T., Almeida, J. C., & Teixeira, M. E. (2020). Cycling training and knee injury prevention: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 19(3), 490-500.

Snyder, H. (2019). Revisão da literatura como metodologia de pesquisa: uma visão geral e diretrizes. Jornal de pesquisa de negócios, 104, 333-339.

Souza, M. T., Silva, M. D., & Carvalho, R. (2010). Revisão integrativa: O que é e como fazer. Einstein, 8(1), 102-106.

Torres, T. et al. (2021). Variáveis do treinamento de força: uma revisão integrativa. Research, Society and Development, 10(10), e464101019291. http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i10.19291

Watson, T. (2001). The role of physiotherapy in managing overuse injuries in cyclists. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 31(5), 467-475.

Wilber, C. A., Hinds, T. R., & Harman, E. A. (2007). The impact of posture on cycling performance and injury prevention. Sports Health, 9(1), 56-64.

Wright, J. D., & Van Hout, P. P. (2015). Overuse injuries and treatment options for road cyclists. Sports Health, 7(4), 339-345.

Yoo, W. T., & Kim, D. H. (2012). The effects of strength training on cycling performance and injury prevention. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 52(1), 23-30.

Published

08/02/2025

How to Cite

LOBO , I. S. .; SANTOS, G. C. dos .; SALLES, S. M. E. .; REIS, L. A. dos . Prevention and rehabilitation of common injuries in cyclists. Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 14, n. 2, p. e2414248216, 2025. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v14i2.48216. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/48216. Acesso em: 2 apr. 2025.

Issue

Section

Review Article