MSc by Research Student

Course Start: October 2016
Supervisor: John McCarthy

Working thesis title

The relationship between functional performance tests and knee movement in cyclists

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of overuse injuries in cycling is a condition that MSK therapists are dealing with more frequently, with the most prominent being knee pain. The influence of the lower limb mechanics in cycling have been investigated before, but predominately in the sagittal plane, whereas little has been conducted in the frontal plane. As cycling has increased in popularity of late, it is important for MSK practitioners to find ways to minimise injury risk.

Purpose: This study will consider the frontal plane mechanics of cyclists, both on and off the bike utilising both 2D and 3D motion analysis. It will investigate the relationship between composite FMS scores and knee movement angles during a cycling protocol. The results of this study will inform MSK practitioners which movements are appropriate to utilise as a screening protocol for their cycling athlete as a preventative method of anterior knee pain.

Methods: Forty cyclists (Stats to be collected) are proposed to participant in this study. Each participant will complete a pre-screen for injury history and perform the lower limb and trunk elements of the FMS™. They will then complete a cycling protocol with 5 peak knee movement angles recorded and the mean of these will be used for data analysis. A statistical correlation test will then be ran between the individuals composite scores of the FMS and their mean knee movement angle to investigate if there is a relationship.

Key words: CYCLING, SURFACE EMG, LOWER LIMB KINETMATICS, KNEE INJURY, OVERUSE INJURY

Research Questions

• To identify which movements are appropriate in identifying cyclists that present with the lower limb mechanics indicative of overuse knee injuries.
• To compare the findings of 3D and 2D motion analysis in identifying cyclists frontal plane knee movement.

About Me

A practitioner-researcher, I graduated from the University of Northampton in 2011 and since then have built up a successful injury rehabilitation clinic in Warwickshire. My desire to become a lecturer lead me to a Masters of Science by Research, where I am exploring my interest in injury screenings as a preventative method for multiple populations.

Contact Information

E: lauren.howard@study.beds.ac.uk