Anusha P¹, Nikita Das²*, Manjunatha H³, Belle Sharvani⁴ and Kavana T¹

¹BPT, Akash Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India
²Lecturer, Akash Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India
³HOD, Principal, Akash Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India
⁴Associate Professor, Akash Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India

*Corresponding Author: Nikita Das, Lecturer, Akash Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.

Received: July 22, 2025; Published: August 04, 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Cycling is a popular activity that offers both health benefits and practical use as a means of transportation. Despite its advantages, many cyclists experience knee pain, often due to improper saddle height. Saddle height plays a critical role in determining the biomechanics of the lower limb during pedaling. Ensuring correct saddle positioning may help reduce strain on the knee joint, improve efficiency, and prevent overuse injuries. Aim and Objective: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the impact of saddle height on knee joint stress and the associated risk of injury in adult cyclists between the ages of 20 and 35.

Methodology: A structured literature search was conducted using the keywords related to knee injury, saddle height, and cycling. Research databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, were searched for studies published between 2016 and 2025. Relevant studies were selected based on their focus on saddle height adjustment and knee biomechanics in adult cyclists.

Results: A total of 168 articles were initially identified, from which 18 were selected for final review after applying the inclusion criteria. The selected studies consistently demonstrated a connection between saddle height and knee joint loading patterns. Improper saddle height, whether too low or too high, was associated with altered pedaling mechanics. A low saddle height increased compressive forces on the front of the knee, especially at the patellofemoral joint. Conversely, a high saddle position was linked to excessive knee extension and potential strain on the iliotibial band. These biomechanical imbalances can contribute to the development of chronic knee pain and overuse injuries in cyclists.

Conclusion: Adjusting the saddle height appropriately can enhance pedaling efficiency and significantly reduce stress on the knee joint. Understanding the biomechanical influence of saddle position is important for injury prevention and for promoting long-term musculoskeletal health in cyclists. Clinical Relevance: Saddle height adjustment using methods such as the knee flexion angle approach, targeting an angle between 25 and 30 degrees, can help minimize injury risk and improve cycling performance. This review supports the integration of biomechanical assessment in bike fitting practices for injury prevention.

Keywords: Cycling; Saddle Height; Knee Pain; Injury Prevention; Biomechanics

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Citation

Citation: Nikita Das., et al. “Contribution of Saddle Height on Knee Injury in Recreational Cyclists – A Literature Review".Acta Scientific Ophthalmology 8.9 (2025): 03-08.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Nikita Das., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.