A method for the analysis of cyclist shorts with different pads for perineal area protection: comparison between drum and road tests

Aim of the present study was to develop an integrated protocol consisting on drum indoor tests and road outdoor tests to quantify the compression of the cyclist perineal zone. During indoor tests 5 cyclists performed 3 trials with different shorts on a cycling drum simulator: the pressure distribution between the saddle and the bottom of the cyclist, and the 3D pelvic motion were synchronously recorded. In the outdoor tests three of the five cyclists performed 5 trials for each shorts at the same speed and cadence of the indoor tests on a flat tarmac road including three potholes in each trial. Finally the pads were mechanically tested with a cyclic fatigue test. Results allowed to have more precise information about the pressure distribution acting on the perineal area in different conditions and to define significant loading cycles for the fatigue testing of the shorts padding material.