Analysis of pedaling kinematics and patellofemoral pain characteristics in amateur cyclists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119064Keywords:
Motion capture, cycling , kinematics, athlete, patello-femoral painAbstract
Introduction: Cycling is one of the most practiced physical activities at both recreational and competitive levels. Despite its benefits, it has a high incidence of injuries, notably patellofemoral pain, a condition that can affect pedaling kinematics.
Objective: To analyze angular displacement during pedaling and its possible influence on the presence of patellofemoral pain.
Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 30 male amateur cyclists (mean age 38.97 ± 13.54 years). 3D analysis using BioLab software was used to evaluate pedaling kinematics, while the Kujala questionnaire (AKPS) was used to assess patellofemoral pain and knee function.
Results: The results show statistically significant differences in ankle range of motion, maximum knee extension, and hip flexion angle compared to the reference values (p<0.05). ANOVA analysis with p=0.013 for the maximum knee flexion angle showed a difference in mean Kujala scores, which in all cases had a weighted average of 70.57 (±4.17), categorizing the patient as having moderate pain.
Discussion: These findings align with current literature, suggesting that patellofemoral pain in cyclists has a multifactorial origin, where pedaling kinematics constitute only one of the multiple components involved.
Conclusions: Pedaling kinematics in amateur cyclists with patellofemoral pain present alterations primarily in the ankle and hip, while the knee maintains functional ranges. However, maximum knee flexion is significantly associated with functionality.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Diana Carolina Velasco-Garzón, Verónica Gabriela Salinas-Velastegui, Paul Fernando Cantuña-Vallejo, Andrea Carolina Peñafiel-Luna, María Augusta Latta-Sánchez, Paola Gabriela Ortiz-Villalba, Javier Caiza Lema
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