Eadric Bressel1, Dan Parker. 1. Biomechanics Laboratory, HPER Department, Utah State University, 7000 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA. eadric.bressel@usu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify a seat pressure threshold that corresponds to significant compression of the perineum. DESIGN: Quasiexperimental crossover. SETTING: Hospital radiology department. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of six 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 magnetic resonance imaging. Seat pressure was applied using a custom loading device. OUTCOME MEASURE: 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). The corpora cavernosa values displayed a similar trend. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial compression of the perineal cavernous spaces may occur with total seat pressure values of less than 40% of typical seat loads.
OBJECTIVE: To identify a seat pressure threshold that corresponds to significant compression of the perineum. DESIGN: Quasiexperimental crossover. SETTING: Hospital radiology department. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of six 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 magnetic resonance imaging. Seat pressure was applied using a custom loading device. OUTCOME MEASURE: 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). The corpora cavernosa values displayed a similar trend. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial compression of the perineal cavernous spaces may occur with total seat pressure values of less than 40% of typical seat loads.
Authors: Sujeeth Parthiban; James M Hotaling; Martin Kathrins; Amit P Baftiri; Sally Freels; Craig S Niederberger Journal: PeerJ Date: 2015-12-21 Impact factor: 2.984