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Effect of Graded Bicycle Seat Pressure on Perineal Compression: An MRI Analysis.

Bressel E, Parker D

Utah State University, United States.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a seat pressure threshold that corresponds to significant compression of the perineum. DESIGN: Quasiexperimental crossover. SETTING: Radiology department of a hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 6 male recreational cyclists. INTERVENTION: Compression of the corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa of the perineum without bicycle seat pressure (0) and at 10%, 40%, and 80% of the mean bicycling pressure was assessed using MRI. Seat pressure was applied using a custom loading device designed to replicate seat pressure recorded during stationary bicycling. OUTCOME MEASURE: Diameter measurements of the cavernous spaces at the point of peak compression. RESULTS: The mean diameter values for the corpus spongiosum in the unloaded and 10% of load conditions were 105% and 172% greater than the 40% and 80% loaded conditions, respectively (P = 0.002-0.004). Similarly, the corpora cavernosa values for the unloaded and 10% of max load conditions were 115% and 175% greater than the 40% and 80% loaded conditions, respectively (P = 0.001-0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: From our data it may be suggested that substantial compression of the perineal cavernous spaces occurs with total seat pressure values of less than 40% of typical seat loads.

Published 8 May 2008 in Br J Sports Med.
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