SQlab Saddles Proven to reduce lower back pain in MTB

The study, conducted by Florian Röhrl, Peter Federolf, and Maurice Mohr in 2023 and published in the Journal Sports Biomechanics, demonstrates that SQlab Active saddles have been proven to reduce lower back pain in mountain biking. Lower back pain, a common issue among cyclists, is exacerbated during strenuous climbs due to the forward-rotated pelvis position and muscular fatigue.

The University of Innsbruck investigated the impact of the SQlab Active system on lower back pain through a field test involving 28 participants. They climbed a hill of 12.2 km and 1331 meters elevation twice, once with their own saddle and once with the SQlab 611 ERGOWAVE® active saddle. The order of trials was randomized, with a minimum of 2 days of recovery in between.

After a warm-up, electromyography (EMG) and 3D motion data were recorded for 60 seconds at 2 watts per kilogram, maintaining a uniform pedaling frequency on a bike ergometer. EMG measures muscle activity using surface electrodes, and 3D motion analysis focuses on the lower back and pelvis with 43 reflective markers. Each participant rode both the SQlab 611 ERGOWAVE® active and the SQlab 611 ERGOWAVE® (without the active system) once, in random order. This comprehensive methodology allowed for a detailed analysis of muscle activation and movement patterns during cycling.

Results revealed that subjective back pain was significantly lower when riding the SQlab 611 ERGOWAVE® active saddle compared to a non-SQlab saddle. EMG signals analysis indicated a trend for better muscle activation with the SQlab active saddle, potentially leading to reduced back pain. Furthermore, 3D motion video analysis revealed a more symmetrical movement of the spine when using the SQlab active saddle.