[Urogenital Symptoms in Cyclists and Reduction of Perineal Pressure Load Using a Prostate Volume-Adapted Bicycle...

Urogenital symptoms associated with cycling, such as perineal pain, penile numbness, or lower urinary tract symptoms, are frequently reported in routine urological practice and may be of particular clinical relevance in predisposed patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cycling-associated symptoms in a urological cohort and to investigate perineal pressure distribution using a prostate volume-adapted bicycle saddle (Prostasella). In addition, an exploratory algorithm for non-invasive estimation of prostate volume was developed to enable individualized saddle sizing.

A total of 50 male patients from a urological practice underwent a clinical examination and standardized assessment of cycling-associated symptoms. Prostate volume was determined by transrectal ultrasound.Sensor-based perineal pressure measurements were performed in a subgroup of 24 patients. Two independent groups were evaluated: an intervention group using a prostate volume-adapted bicycle saddle and a control group using a conventional bicycle saddle under comparable measurement conditions.Central perineal pressure load was compared between independent groups rather than in an intra-individual crossover design.The primary endpoint was central perineal pressure load within the predefined perineal measurement area.

The use of a prostate volume-adapted bicycle saddle resulted in a significant reduction in central perineal pressure load compared with conventional saddle systems (reduction of approximately 88%, P < 0.001).

A prostate volume-adapted saddle design enables a clinically relevant reduction in central perineal pressure load and represents a potentially relevant approach for the prevention and treatment of cycling-associated urogenital symptoms. The developed algorithm should be considered exploratory and requires further validation.