Post by KenNiemann on Apr 7, 2005 1:25:15 GMT -5
Most Spinning Instructor certifying agencies advise against backpedaling. Others view it as an effective addition to their spin workouts. I hope to bring some clarification to this controversy:
Initially, EMG studies found that backpedaling increases quadricep recruitment over forward pedaling. For this reason, therapists began incorporating back pedaling into their rehab protocols when increasing quad strength was indicated.
Follow-up studies, however, were performed to measure forces at the knee joints. They demonstrated that backpedaling increased forces at the patellofemoral joint but decreased forces at the tibiofemoral joint.
What this means is the following: Backpedaling, because of the lower forces at the tibiofemoral joint, is good for people with osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries. It strengthens the quad more effectively while placing less stress on a problemmatic joint.
However, doing so will increase the likelihood of aggrevating patellofemoral problems. Women are much more prone to developing this condition and also, theoretically, make up the primary population of spin classes.
Hence, for some, this activity does not present any problems; it can actually be helpful. For others, it is contraindicated.
Training manuals tend to have a "cookie cutter" approach by centering the activity around the person most likely to get hurt or develop problems. Therefore, they recommend against doing it at all, especially because the onset of problems are largely unpredictable.
In my view, the instructor has the choice of either making the class aware of the pro's and cons of backpedaling and making it optional or not doing it at all.
The maturity of the particular class would be a major factor in the choice.
Initially, EMG studies found that backpedaling increases quadricep recruitment over forward pedaling. For this reason, therapists began incorporating back pedaling into their rehab protocols when increasing quad strength was indicated.
Follow-up studies, however, were performed to measure forces at the knee joints. They demonstrated that backpedaling increased forces at the patellofemoral joint but decreased forces at the tibiofemoral joint.
What this means is the following: Backpedaling, because of the lower forces at the tibiofemoral joint, is good for people with osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries. It strengthens the quad more effectively while placing less stress on a problemmatic joint.
However, doing so will increase the likelihood of aggrevating patellofemoral problems. Women are much more prone to developing this condition and also, theoretically, make up the primary population of spin classes.
Hence, for some, this activity does not present any problems; it can actually be helpful. For others, it is contraindicated.
Training manuals tend to have a "cookie cutter" approach by centering the activity around the person most likely to get hurt or develop problems. Therefore, they recommend against doing it at all, especially because the onset of problems are largely unpredictable.
In my view, the instructor has the choice of either making the class aware of the pro's and cons of backpedaling and making it optional or not doing it at all.
The maturity of the particular class would be a major factor in the choice.