Perineum Pressure Distribution Among Various Bicycle Saddles

Abstract

Cycling is a widely popular exercise that is known to provide great health benefits. However, it has been questioned if cycling is responsible for genital numbness or Erectile Dysfunction (ED) due to compression of the perineum between the rider and the bicycle saddle. This study compares the perineal pressure distribution between three saddles (ISM, 3 West, and Fizik) for healthy, active male cyclists and a saddle recommendation is made. Using their own bikes, participants perform six randomized cycling trials (two per saddle) while sitting on a piezo-resistive pressure mat. Participants were asked to qualitatively rate the saddles after each trial. The quantitative results favor the ISM saddle due to its lower perineal pressure values, but the qualitative perceived comfort from the cyclists is split.