Anterior pelvic tilt in elite cyclists—A comparative matched pairs study

ObjectivesTo compare mean angles of anterior pelvic tilt (APT) and variability of APT angles in elite cyclists and matched non-cyclists.DesignObservation, cross-sectional, matched pairs.ParticipantsSeventeen elite cyclists Australian Institute of Sport Track Cycling Squad (AISTCS) (23±4.2 years, 15 males) age and gender matched with 17 non-cyclists (23±4.1 years, 15 males).SettingLaboratory within the University of South Australia. The APT was assessed in long-sitting position with chest as close to thighs as voluntarily possible and measured using a digital inclinometer over L5–S1 intervertebral space.Main outcome measuresAPT in elite and non-cyclists. Unpaired t-tests and F-tests were used to analyze difference and variability of APT angles between groups with p⩽0.05 regarded as significant.ResultsThere was a significant difference between APT angles between the two groups (cyclists +12.2° (±6.0), non-cyclists −5.3° (±9.7); t=6.32t=6.32, p  <0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.8–23.1°). The variability of APT angles was significantly greater in non-cyclists compared to elite cyclists (F=2.6F=2.6, p=0.032p=0.032).ConclusionsThe APT angle of elite cyclists is significantly greater and has significantly less variability than APT angle in matched non-cyclists, when tested in a long-sitting position.