Comparison of cycling posture, lower extremity strength and flexibility between amateur cyclists with and without anterior knee pain

The aim of this study was to compare lower extremity flexibility, muscle strength, and cycling posture of amateur road cyclists with and without anterior knee pain. A total of 34 cyclists with (n=17) and without (n=17) anterior knee pain were included in the study. The cyclists in both groups had similar characteristics such as age, body mass index, years of riding, weekly riding distance, and average cadence. Lower extremity flexibility was evaluated using the Knee Extension, Ely's, and Weight Bearing Lunge Test. Quadriceps, hamstring, and hip external rotator muscle isometric strength was measured using handheld dynomometer. Lower extremity alignment was assessed using the single-leg squat test. Cycling posture was evaluated by determining joint angles in photographs taken from lateral and anterior views. It was found that quadriceps muscle strength was lower in cyclists with anterior knee pain in the non-dominant extremities than in the control group (p=0.025). In the Single Leg Squat Test, the valgus angle values in the group with knee pain were higher when compared with the extremities of the control group (p=0.018). When comparing the results of the tests related to the cycling posture, the values were similar between the groups. Adding exercises that increase quadriceps muscle strength to treatment program of cyclists with anterior knee pain may have positive results in pain management. Assessing lower extremity alignment and performing corrective exercises in the presence of dynamic knee valgus may" contribute to strategies to prevent anterior knee pain.