Balance of Upper Limb Muscle Activation and Aerodynamics for Cycling Posture Optimization

Cycling postures significantly influence aerodynamic performance in competitive cycling, yet aggressive postures may increase muscle activation and lead to adverse physiological effects. This study evaluated the aerodynamic drag area (C_dA) of various cycling postures in a wind tunnel, revealing a strong correlation with decreasing forearm angles. Surface electromyography (sEMG) tests were conducted to assess upper limb muscle activation across postures, identifying the triceps brachii (TB) as dominant in maintaining both hoods and drops positions (46.9% and 40.2% of total activation, respectively). Additionally, this study explores the trade-off between aerodynamic gains and muscle activation by examining the relationship between C_dA and composite EMG. A Pareto front analysis identified locally optimal postures that balance these factors, potentially enhancing overall cyclist performance.