Rodrigo R Bini

La Trobe University ·  La Trobe Rural Health School

Introduction Electrically assisted bikes (E-bikes) have the potential to assist with the accumulation of moderate intensity physical activity but the relationship between volume of e-cycling and health has not been fully examined. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between distance travelled during a 4-week e-bike intervention an...

Objectives Women experience more saddle-related pain during cycling compared to men. However, there is a lack of research focused on the optimal saddle for this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the most used type of saddle (i.e., women's saddles, men's saddles or unisex) and the effect of saddle type on perceived comfort...

Bicycle set-up dimensions and cycling kinematic data are important components of bicycle fitting and cyclist testing protocols. However, there are no guidelines on how bicycles should be measured and how kinematic data should be collected to increase the reliability of outcomes. This article proposes a consensus regarding bicycle set-up dimensions...

The purpose of this study was to identify which are the most used saddle types by competitive women cyclists and their effect on perceived comfort. A comfort questionnaire was completed by 60 elite women cyclists that competed in the Road Cycling Cup, and a picture of their saddle was taken. The participants saddles were classified according to the...

Training cycling technique has been popular among coaches, but limited evidence supports benefits from this practice in terms of performance. The use of pedal force effectiveness metrics is discussed, noting the limitations of these outcomes to truly reflect pedaling technique. This editorial discusses the potential discrepancies between optimal me...

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are gaining popularity globally as green and active modes of transport. Research on e-bike adoption to date has predominantly investigated various extrinsic motivations to use an e-bike, and little is known about the psychological influences. Examining the influence of psychological determinants is crucial to comprehend...

Introduction This special issue will cover the application of markerless motion analysis in sport and exercise science research. Traditional methods for the analysis of human movement involve the use of cameras designed to assist with the identification of markers attached to specific anatomical landmarks. The use of markers requires training to e...

Cervical active range of motion (AROM) is an important outcome measure for clinicians working with a range of patient populations, especially people with neck pain. Multi-sensor inertial measurement unit (IMU) devices demonstrate good validity in the research laboratory but are expensive and not easily accessible in clinical settings. The use of si...

The sport of axe throwing has gained popularity. Axe throwing is defined as a striking sport in which competitors are required to throw an axe with accuracy and appropriate velocity. However, evidence on the role of the trunk center of mass (CoM) in axe throwing, based on in-the-field experimental settings, is lacking. The aim of this study was to...

Purpose Increasing access to marker-less technology has enabled practitioners to obtain kinematic data more quickly. However, the validation of many of these methods is lacking. Therefore, the validity of pre-trained neural networks was explored in this study compared to reflective marker tracking from sagittal plane cycling motion. Methods Twenty...

Introduction: This field-based case study assessed linear accelerations of the torso centre of mass (CoM) and the tibia using two wearable sensors in a triathlete performing 20 minutes of continuous deep water running. Methods: One triathlete (36 years; height; 151 cm; weight; 63 kg) participated in this field-based case study. One wearable sensor...

Purpose: Increasing access to marker-less technology has enabled practitioners to obtain kinematic data more quickly. However, the validation of many of these methods is lacking. Therefore, the validity of pre-trained neural networks was explored in this study compared to reflective marker tracking from sagittal plane cycling motion. Methods: Twent...

The use of marker-less methods to automatically obtain kinematics of movement is expanding but validity to high-velocity tasks such as cycling with the presence of the bicycle on the field of view is needed when standard video footage is obtained. The purpose of this study was to assess if pre-trained neural networks are valid for calculations of l...

Introduction: This field-based case study assessed linear accelerations of the scapula and elbow in an elite axe thrower in three different axe throwing techniques using two wearable sensors. Methods: One elite axe thrower (35 years; height 181 cm; weight 92 kg) participated in this case study. One wearable sensor (an accelerometer) was located on...

The effectiveness of lower-cost equipment used for running gait retraining is still unclear. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of lower-cost equipment used in running gait retraining in altering biomechanical outcomes that may be associated with injuries. The literature search included all documents from MEDL...

In ice hockey, the butterfly style/stance is a technique distinguished by the goalkeepers (goalie) dropping to their knees to block attempts to score. Although this goalie style has been around for many years, comparisons between on and off-ice attire has not been undertaken. Therefore, this preliminary study compared differences in torso accelerat...

Basketball competitions often include a scheduled regular season followed by knock-out finals. Understanding training and match demands through the season can help optimize performance and reduce injury risk. This study investigated whether training and/or match demands differed between the regular season and finals, and whether these differences w...

Determining foot strike and take-off during vertical jumps is essen- tial to calculate a range of performance measures, which normally requires the use of expensive equipment such as force platforms. This study evaluated whether tracking the foot centre of mass (CoM) and hallux could be suitable alternatives to determine foot strike and take-off du...

Objectives This systematic review summarises biomechanical, physiological and performance factors affecting running after cycling and explores potential effective strategies to improve performance during running after cycling. Design Systematic review. Methods The literature search included all documents available until 14th December 2021 from Me...

Purpose To identify the effects of fatigue from an exercise protocol (similar to a soccer match) on ankle motion and forces during single-legged drop landing. Methods Seventeen males aged (mean ± SD) 22.2 ± 2.0 years participated in this repeated measures study. A 90-min intermittent exercise protocol with a 15-min rest at halftime was performed....

The aim of this study was to determine if residual neuromuscular fatigue influenced subsequent match and training activity in professional women's basketball. Prior to matches and training sessions throughout a season, players performed countermovement jumps while wearing a magnetic, angular rate and gravity (acceleration) sensor on their upper bac...

Overloading of tendon tissue may result in overuse tendon injuries in runners. One possible cause of overloading could be the occurrence of biomechanical inter-limb differences during running. However, scarce information exists concerning the simultaneous analysis of inter-limb differences in external and internal loading-related variables in habit...

The aim of this observational study was to determine if on-court activity and match statistics differed between periods of scoring streaks and regular play in basketball. Thirty-seven basketballers including professional women, semi-professional women and semi-professional men wore accelerometers during competitive matches throughout a season. Acce...

Purpose: With the increased access to neural networks trained to estimate body segments from images and videos, this study assessed the validity of some of these networks in enabling the assessment of body position on the bicycle. Methods: Fourteen cyclists pedaled stationarily in one session on their own bicycles while video was recorded from thei...

Background: The mechanical energy required to drive the cranks during cycling depends on concentric and eccentric muscle actions. However, no study to date provided clear evidence on how workload levels affect concentric and eccentric muscle actions during cycling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the workload effects on the tim...

There is a lack of research assessing Motion Performance Indicators (MPIs), which have been recently made commercially available. Therefore, this study explored: (1) the influence of incremented exercise on MPIs and; (2) the relationships between MPIs and cycling performance at different intensities during a graded exercise test (GXT) in profession...

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the methods to determine bicycle saddle height and the effects of saddle height on cycling performance and injury risk outcomes. The key motivator of this review was to update and expand the finding reported by a previous narrative review published in 2011. The literature search included all doc...

It is unclear whether military shoes (combat boots and sports shoes) attenuate loading rate or affect force transfer during walking. Therefore, this study compared ground reaction forces (GRF) related to impact and force transfer between combat boots, military sports shoes, and running shoes. Ten army recruits walked over a walkway with two force p...

We investigated the effects of caffeine mouth rinse on endurance performance, muscle recruitment (i.e., electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris), rating of perceived effort and heart rate. Twelve physically-active healthy men cycled at 80% of their respiratory compensation point until task failure. The participants rin...

This study aimed to develop an automated method to detect live play periods from accelerometry-derived relative exercise intensity in basketball, and to assess the criterion validity of this method. Relative exercise intensity (% oxygen uptake reserve) was quantified for two men's semi-professional basketball matches. Live play period durations wer...

Background Bowling in cricket is a complex sporting movement which, despite being well characterised, still produces a significant number of injuries each year. Fast bowlers are more likely to be injured than any other playing role. Frequency, duration, intensity and volume of bowling, which have been generalised as measurements of workload, are t...

Background A comparison of Linea Alba (LA) length and engagement of the Transverse Abdominis (TrA), External Oblique (EO) and Internal Oblique (IO) between core-orientated and lower back orientated exercises (e.g. glute bridge and hip extension) is not lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the length of the LA and the engagement...

It is unclear whether military shoes (combat boots and sports shoes) attenuate loading rate or affect force transfer during walking. Therefore, this study compared ground reaction forces (GRF) related to impact and force transfer between combat boots, military sports shoes and running shoes. Ten army recruits walked over a walkway with two force pl...

This study compared ground reaction forces (GRF) and lower limb two-dimensional (2D) kinematic waveforms, with and without load carriage, in military personnel walking in two different types of boots. Data were measured in 24-soldiers walking on a 10-m walkway under four randomized crossover trials: wearing two military boots (styrene-butadiene rub...

This study compared the presence of pain in recreational and competitive road cyclists and body position on the bicycle between cyclists with and without pain. Seventy-one cyclists completed a survey reporting existing cycling-related sites of pain and comfort. Static sagittal and frontal plane images were taken to analyse body position on the bicy...

Inter-limb differences in Achilles tendon mechanical, material and morphological properties have previously been described in non-athletes and attributed to the preferential use of a given limb. Achilles tendon overuse tendon injury generally initiate unilaterally and alters triceps surae activation and Achilles tendon properties. The investigation...

This study compared basketball training and match demands between player roles (starters, in-rotation bench players, out-rotation bench players) and between competition levels (semi-professional, professional). Thirty-seven players from one professional women’s team, one semi-professional women’s team, and one semi-professional men’s team wore acce...

Introdução: A melhor relação entre comprimento e frequência de passada na corrida é objetivo de diversos estudos, porém a literatura não apresenta dados referentes à distância de 400 metros. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da modulação da frequência de passada (FP) na corrida de 400 metros sobre a frequência cardíaca (FC) e o comprimento da passada...

Purpose. The aims of this study were to assess the potential retrospective relationship between limb preference and cartilage thickness, and to determine the association between measures of strength using 1-RM tests and cartilage thickness. Methods. Cross-sectional retrospective design was employed. Limb preference and injury history were collected...

BACKGROUND: Comparison of knee loads on a Smith machine, which utilised in for maintenance of health and rehabilitation, has not been attempted. OBJECTIVE: This study compared lower limb muscle and knee joint forces during front and back squats performed on a Smith Machine. METHODS: Eleven participants performed front and back squats with loads at...

We investigated the effects of caffeine mouth rinse on endurance performance, muscle recruitment (i.e., electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris), rating of perceived effort and heart rate. Twelve physically-active healthy men cycled at 80% of their respiratory compensation point until task failure. The participants rin...

This study used a statistical parametric mapping method to compare temporal patterns knee joint loads and moments in cyclists pedalling using different saddle heights. Ten recreational cyclists pedalled using three saddle heights (Preferred, High and Low) during a single session. High and Low saddle heights were determined based on dynamically meas...

Overuse injuries are a common problem to triathletes’ population. Overuse injuries may arise from inter-limb biomechanical differences during running, but the literature lacks information regarding inter-limb differences in triathletes. In this study inter-limb differences were investigated in injury-free triathletes during the running portion of a...

In order to address gaps in the literature, this study assessed the reproducibility (i.e., difference between and within sessions) of joint and muscle forces using wearable sensors during stationary cycling. Seventeen male cyclists performed two sessions on a cycle ergometer cycling at a combination of three power outputs (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 W/kg) an...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01456.].

Purpose The study assessed within- and between-session reliability of power output (PO) and pedal force effectiveness and compared PO from the pedals with the Lode Excalibur cycle ergometer. Methods Seventeen male cyclists performed 10 trials at 3 levels of PO (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 W/kg) and 3 cadences (60, 80, and 100 rpm) in 2 sessions. Instrumente...

Background It is unclear how cycling and running would differ in terms of changes in cartilage thickness. Also, given squats are a popular type of exercise used to strengthen lower limbs, it is critical to assess if loads used during resisted training could lead to changes in cartilage cushioning properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was...

Prior research did not provide data on acute adaptations to changes in saddle height as commonly performed in bicycle fitting. This study assessed the acute responses from recreational cyclists to changes in saddle height using dynamic bicycle fitting. Ten recreational cyclists completed five trials using three saddle heights (Preferred, High and L...

Electrically assisted bicycles (EABs) and motorbikes were compared in terms of energy expenditure, internal and external forces, and technique when delivering mail with different loads at different distances from the mailbox. Twenty-two postal workers performed two simulated postal tasks (foot placement [close vs. far] and delivery, and simulated m...

Background Eccentric exercises have been used in physical training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation programs. The systematic use of eccentric training promotes specific morphological adaptations on skeletal muscles. However, synergistic muscles, such as the triceps surae components, might display different structural adaptations due to differ...

This study aimed to determine the breakpoints in superficial electromyography (sEMG) signal during a maximal incremental skating test (IT) and compare them to the first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory threshold. Ten well-trained long track speed skaters performed a maximal incremental skating test on a slide board. sEMG signals from six lower li...

Sprint cycling performance depends upon the balance between muscle and drag forces. This study assessed the influence of upper body position on muscle forces and aerodynamics during seated sprint cycling. Thirteen competitive cyclists attended two sessions. The first session was used to determine handlebar positions to achieve predetermined hip fle...

Dynamic bike fitting often includes the optimisation of lower limb joint kinematics while participants undertake sub-maximal intensity cycling; however, this practice might not be appropriate for sprint cycling. This study aimed to determine if trained cyclists maintain lower limb angles, defined during dynamic sub-maximal bike fitting, while compl...

This study quantified the biomechanical (movements and forces) and physiological (energy expenditure) demands of postal delivery performed with electrically assisted bicycles (EABs). Ten postal workers and 10 recreational athletes performed three simulated postal tasks (simulated mail delivery circuit, delivery distance [close vs. far], and 3-min s...

This study compared hip flexion angles during sprint cycling with those during sub maximal cycling performed using a range of handlebar positions. Eleven cyclists were assessed in two sessions. The first session involved determining handlebar positions that resulted in a range of maximum hip flexion angles. In the second session, cyclists performed...

The purpose of this study was to determine the variability of lower limb range of motion (ROM) during vertical jumps using inertial-based systems. Ten participants attended three laboratory session to familiarise with the countermovement jump (session 1) and to perform three maximum countermovement jumps (session 2 and 3). Motion from the lower lim...

The purposes of this applied session are to provide a brief introduction on how pedalling style/technique can influence energy cost and joint loads, and then to perform a laboratorial based assessment (i.e. cycle ergometer) illustrating how changes from pushing to pulling technique could affect pedal forces and oxygen cost. A background of optimal...

Objectives: To document the magnitude and the time course of neuromechanical and morphological adaptations in response to a triceps surae eccentric training program. Methods: Twenty healthy male subjects completed a control period followed by a 12-week isokinetic eccentric training program. Triceps surae neuromechanical and morphological evaluat...

Purpose: To document the magnitude and time course of human Achilles tendon adaptations (i.e. changes in tendon morphological and mechanical properties) during a 12-week high-load plantar flexion training program. Methods: Ultrasound was used to determine Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), length and elongation as a function of plantar...

Fatigue is common during physical activity and can have an effect on ankle biomechanics during different actions, such as a jump. Yet current research on the topic is very heterogeneous and hinders clarity on what changes are actually due to fatigue. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarise and analyse the current literature that investig...

The potential factors associated with overuse injuries and pain in cyclists that are supported by evidence remain unclear. Our study aimed at assessing, using a systematic search of the most updated evidence, the main factors related to overuse knee-related pain and/or injuries in cyclists. The search assessed any potential mechanism related to kne...

To assess electromyographic parameters of neuromuscular fatigue in knee extensors and their association with clinical, functional and emotional features in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty-eight female patients with RA participated. Electromyography parameters (changes in signal amplitude, represented by the root mean square, and fre...

Evidence indicates that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) minimizes fatigue effects on muscle performance. However, the ideal LLLT dosage to improve athletes’ performance during sports activities such as cycling is still unclear. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of different LLLT dosages on cyclists’ performance in time...

Introduction: Limited evidence has been shown on ways to optimize the mechanical design of machines in order to minimize knee loads. Objective: This study compared six computer simulated models of open kinetic knee extension exercises for patellofemoral pressure and tibiofemoral forces. Methods: A musculoskeletal model of the lower limb was devel...

In this chapter, we intend to present information on the kinematics of cycling for recreational and professional plural. Considering that the kinematics of cycling can be affected by many aspects, we opted to discuss some of the more frequent issues that have been covered in the literature on segmental movements during cycling. We believe this chap...

Musculoskeletal injuries are related to the cushioning properties of boots in military populations. This study aimed to compare ground reaction force (GRF) and subjective perceived comfort from two different military boots supplied by the Brazilian Army with a commercial boot. Twenty army recruits volunteered for a GRF assessment during walking on...

Finally, the authoritative resource that serious cyclists have been waiting for has arrived. The perfect blend of science and application, Cycling Science takes you inside the sport, into the training room and research lab, and onto the course. A remarkable achievement, Cycling Science features the following: Contributions from 43 top cycling scien...

Finally, the authoritative resource that serious cyclists have been waiting for has arrived. The perfect blend of science and application, Cycling Science takes you inside the sport, into the training room and research lab, and onto the course. A remarkable achievement, Cycling Science features the following: Contributions from 43 top cycling scien...

INTRODUCTION: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is increasingly being used as an ergogenic technique to postpone muscle fatigue and consequently increase performance (1-4). However, the effects of PBMT application on the oxygen consumption (VO2) and muscle oxygenation of cyclists are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate t...

Introduction: Eccentric training promotes increased muscle strength production through morphological and neural adaptations in skeletal muscle (1-4). Evidence of the effect of eccentric training on force production at different joint angles has shown that peak muscle torque shifts the force-length relation to greater muscle lengths (3,5). Among the...