One of our members, Nicholas Dinsdale has been invited to speak at the 40th Anniversary Association of British Cycle Coaching (ABCC) Pedal Power Annual Conference. The ABCC Annual Conference runs for two days, Saturday and Sunday 10th & 11th November 2012 at Coventry Motor Museum – it is envisaged 120 coaches will attend. Nick will be speaking about the benefits of Musculoskeletal Screening of Competitive Cyclists – and the opportunity to acquire those elusive marginal-gains over competitors.
In view of British Cycling’s recent unprecedented success in winning the 2012 Tour de France and vast array of Olympic medals in London, this invite is considered a prestigious honour. Nick and daughter Nicola (NJD Sports Injury Clinic) are arguably one of the UK leaders in this particular field. Nick undertook his own research at Manchester Metropolitan University which was published and disseminated worldwide. This has enabled Nick and Nicola to develop their ‘clinic’ screening protocol which now attracts cyclists and triathletes from all over the UK.
The purpose of systematic Clinical Screening is to identify potential musculoskeletal deficits that are likely to predispose the cyclist to overuse injury and/or loss of power output. If carried out effectively, systematic screening can offer both Cyclist and Therapist a dual benefit. These dual opportunities are to address aspects in Sport Medicine (injury) and Sports Science (performance). The ideal time to carryout musculoskeletal screening is prior to a bikefit. Effective screening can then be utilised to optimise the subsequent bikefit process.
Typical screening involves checking all lower limb joints for normal function. The lower back and pelvic is checked, along with core and pelvic stability. Particular emphasis is placed on the lower limb and foot for alignment problems. If leg-length differences exist, it is crucial to differentiate between anatomical and functional. Often, older riders have most to gain because of degenerative joints, trauma / fractures and joint replacements.
