Comparison of Penile Oxygen Pressure.
Condition: Healthy
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Aim of this study is to compare novel 3D printed cycling saddle with the best selling saddle
      from two major cycling manufacturers in terms of effects on blood circulation in the
      peritoneal region.
    

Detailed description: 
      The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether Joyseat's 3D printed and custom-made bicycle
      saddles provide a benefit in terms of increased penile blood flow compared to the
      best-selling saddles from two major bicycle manufacturers. The method chosen to measure blood
      flow, which is commonly used in studies of this type, is referred to as Near Infrared
      Spectroscopy. Measurement of tcpO2 and tcpCO2 in cyclists will be performed while riding on a
      cycling trainer using Radiometer TCM5 Flex (Radiometer Medical ApS, Brønshøj, Denmark) and a
      tc 84 electrode placed on the glans penis. Prior to the actual penile blood flow
      measurements, the sensitivity level of the n. pudendus (n. dorsalis penis) will be verified
      using biothesiometry (electronic tuning fork test, vibration), which is again commonly used
      in studies of this type. The pressure of the rider's contact surfaces on the saddle will be
      evaluated with pressure mat (Gebiomized GmbH, Münster, Germany). The Wahoo Bike (Wahoo
      Fitness, Limited Liability Company, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America) will be used
      in the study, which, in addition to the possibility of individual seating adjustment, also
      allows to record the cyclist's power and heart rate using a chest strap. The cyclist's
      position on the bike will be measured and evaluated by infrared sensors and Retül technology
      (Retül, Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., Boulder, Colorado, United States of America).
      The test will be performed on the described instrumentation in the Applied Kinesiology
      Laboratory at Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports and will
      involve a maximum of 3x 20 min rides on the cycle trainer at 65-85% of the cyclist's maximum
      individual heart rate during one visit. All measurement methods and devices are non-invasive
      and painless. The choice of instruments was based on their use in previously published
      studies of similar type and on their quality, i.e., the parameters of validity, reliability,
      sensitivity, specificity and availability.
    

Intervention name(s): Biothesiometry; Near Infrared Spectroscopy; Cycling on a home trainer; Bike Fitting
Intervention type(s): Device; Device; Device; Device
Intervention description(s): Biothesiometry using Biothesiometer (Bio Medical Instrument Co, Ohio, United States of America), placed on glans penis and second finger of nondominant hand.; Penile oxygen pressure using TCM5 Flex and tc84 electrode (Radiometer Medical ApS, Brønshøj, Denmark) placed on glans penis.; Riding a static bike Wahoo Bike (Wahoo Fitness LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America) for 3x 10 minutes at 65-85% of each individual subjects maximal heart rate.; Setting standardized posture of the rider on the bike using Retül technology (Retül, Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., Boulder, Colorado, United States of America)
Other intervention name(s): Neurothesiometer
Observational model: Case-Control
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Participants in the study will be deliberately approached and will in all cases be
        experienced or competitive cyclists with an annual mileage of over 7 000 km (maximum 28 000
        km). Subjects will be recruited from a group of riders who already use a customised Joyseat
        saddle in their sporting career and the research group will be supplemented by professional
        cyclists from teams who have the option of having customised saddles made for their riders.
      
Keywords: penile oxygen pressure; cycling; saddle; pressure