Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the sagittal plane of the thoracic spine and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt when standing and on a bicycle of elite and Master 30 class cyclists. A total of 45 elite cyclists (mean age: 22.71  ±  3.23 years) and 45 Masters 30 cyclists (mean age: 34.40  ±  2.87 years) were evaluated using the Spinal Mouse^® system when standing and on a bicycle in three handlebar grips (high, medium and low). When standing, the mean angle values for the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and pelvic tilt were 47.96  ±  7.23° -27.62  ±  6.97° and 14.29  ±  5.49° for the elite cyclists and 47.82  ±  9.32° –26.58  ±  5.97° and 12.07  ±  4.77° for the Master 30 cyclists. In both modes a high frequency of thoracic kyphosis cases when standing was observed (57.80% in elite and 53.40% in Masters 30 cyclists). When on a bicycle, the elite and Masters 30 cyclists presented a significant reduction in thoracic kyphosis with respect to standing. The lumbar spine had an inverted posture. By way of conclusion, the frequent thoracic kyphosis when standing in both categories of cyclists may be more related to other factors than the position adopted on a bicycle.