Effects of a Professional Objective Bike Fit on Power Output and Comfort

University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Status

Completed

Conditions

Healthy Population

Treatments

Other: Bike fitting

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT06988384

FY2024-7

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate whether an objective, data-driven bike fitting using the id match 3D motion capture system improves power output in recreational cyclists. Participants will complete two cycling performance tests, a 6-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (PPT6) and a 20-minute Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test, before and after receiving a professional bike fitting. The primary outcome is the change in power output on both tests. Secondary outcomes include subjective measures of comfort, pain, and perceived exertion. The goal is to determine whether bike fitting alone, independent of training, can enhance both performance and the overall riding experience.

Full description

This is a prospective, interventional crossover study evaluating the impact of professional bike fitting on cycling performance and comfort in recreational cyclists. All participants must engage in structured physical activity at least twice per week (≥30 minutes per session), own a road or gravel bicycle, and are available for two laboratory visits within a 96-hour period. All participants must complete the PAR-Q+ and a health history questionnaire.

At Visit 1, participants will undergo baseline testing. Their current bike setup will be replicated on a Wattbike ergometer. Participants will complete two performance tests: a six-second peak power test (PPT6) and a 20-minute Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test. For the PPT6, participants perform a seated sprint from a dead stop following a five-minute warm-up and two-minute rest. Metrics collected include peak power (W), relative peak power (W/kg), cadence (rpm), and leg imbalance (%). The FTP test will be conducted on each participant's personal bicycle mounted to a Wahoo KICKR MOVE smart trainer. Power, cadence, and torque are recorded, along with physiological data captured using a Polar H10 heart rate monitor and a COSMED Quark CPET system to measure VO₂, VCO₂, and RER. Following these assessments, participants will receive a professional bike fitting using the id match Smart Bike system.

The id match system (Casella d'Asolo, Italy) uses 3D motion capture, static anthropometric scans (e.g., limb length, lumbar flexion, foot dimensions), and machine learning algorithms to optimize rider positioning. The fitting process adjusts variables such as saddle height, saddle setback, handlebar reach and drop, and cleat position. A certified id match fitter will perform each fitting, which is guided by participant-reported cycling history and pain ratings by body region on a 1-10 scale.

Between 48 and 96 hours after the initial visit, participants will return for Visit 2 and repeat both the PPT6 and FTP tests using their updated bike configuration. All equipment, testing protocols, and data collection methods remain consistent between visits.

Primary outcome measures include peak power and relative peak power (W/kg) from the PPT6, and FTP (W), relative FTP (W/kg), and average torque (ft-lb.) from the 20-minute FTP test. Secondary outcomes include perceived exertion (Borg RPE 6-20 scale), discomfort (Likert scale 1-20), region-specific pain, and biomechanical changes to bike setup (e.g., saddle height, setback, cleat position, joint angles).

Enrollment

12 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 64 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria: Structured exercise > 2×/week (≥ 30 min/session), ownership of a road or gravel bike, and availability for two lab visits within 96 hours, pass PAR-Q+ Exclusion Criteria: Failing the PAR-Q+ or having a prior bike fitting.