Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
Effect of graded bicycle seat pressure on perineal compression: a magnetic resonance imaging analysis
1Biomechanics Laboratory, HPER Department, Utah State University, 7000 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA. eadric.bressel@usu.edu
Objective:
To identify a seat pressure threshold that corresponds to significant compression of the perineum.
Design:
Quasiexperimental crossover.
Setting:
Hospital radiology department.
Participants:
Convenience sample of six male recreational cyclists.
Intervention:
Compression of the corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa of the perineum without bicycle seat pressure (0%) and at 10%, 40% and 80% of the mean bicycling pressure was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Seat pressure was applied using a custom loading device.
Outcome Measure:
Measure Diameter measurements of the cavernous spaces at the point of peak compression.
Results:
The mean diameter values for the corpus spongiosum in the unloaded and 10% of load conditions were 105% and 172% greater than the 40% and 80% loaded conditions, respectively (p=0.002-0.004). The corpora cavernosa values displayed a similar trend.
Conclusions:
Substantial compression of the perineal cavernous spaces may occur with total seat pressure values of less than 40% of typical seat loads.
