Optimising sprint cyclists' position for maximum speed: a modelling and simulation approach

近年来，由于科学技术的应用，自行车运动在装备、训练和策略上都取得了许多进步。然而，围绕如何最好地利用车手位置以获得更高的输出功率和减少空气动力阻力，仍然存在很大的不确定性。以前在这一领域进行的研究使用了一小群精英自行车手来调查自行车的设置。这给结果带来了显著的偏差，因为优秀的自行车手是通过长时间的训练来适应在某个位置骑行的。该项目将采用一种新的调查方法，包括建模和模拟骑自行车者的生物力学和任何作用的阻力，以提供一个无偏见的评估，如何优化自行车设置，以使骑自行车者在赛车场达到最大速度。该项目有三个与EPSRC工程设计研究领域相关的新颖工程设计方面。首先，使用文献中的方法，将开发短跑自行车手和自行车的肌肉驱动前向动力学模型。这将是第一个同时使用生物力学和空气动力学的建模，用于场地自行车运动员位置的优化框架，因为它将结合自行车运动员的骨骼系统、肌肉系统和神经系统的建模，自行车的动力学和自行车运动员的空气动力学阻力和滚动阻力的模型。其次，虽然以前的研究已经调查了单个自行车适合参数（例如鞍座高度，曲柄臂长度，链环几何形状等）或肌肉激活动力学对骑自行车者产生动力的能力的影响，但目前还没有研究巩固所有这些潜在变量的综合影响。该项目将通过开发一个优化框架来解决这个问题，以同时优化肌肉激活时间和多个自行车适合参数。最后，将开发一种使模型特定于主题的方法。在当前的神经肌肉骨骼模型中，有许多参数必须给出一般化的值，因为它们不容易从个体的解剖结构中进行实验测量。该项目将使用先前开发的生物力学模型以及约束运动最大努力测力计测试的实验数据和优化程序来确定这些神经肌肉骨骼参数的受试者特定值。该项目还涉及EPSRC的辅助技术、康复和肌肉骨骼生物力学研究领域，因为它将允许对特定个体进行建模，并分析肌肉骨骼系统在某些运动下的受力体验。

In recent years, the sport of cycling has seen many advances in equipment, training and strategy due to the application of science and technology. However there is still a great level of uncertainty surrounding how to best utilise rider position in order to achieve higher output power and reduce aerodynamic drag. Previous studies conducted in this area have used small groups of elite cyclist to investigate bike setup. This introduces significant bias into the results as elite cyclists are adapted to riding in a certain position through many hours of training. This project will adopt a new investigative method involving the modelling and simulation of cyclists' biomechanics and any acting resistive forces in order to provide a non-biased assessment of how to optimise bike setups for a cyclist's maximum achievable speed in the velodrome. There are three novel engineering design aspects to this project that are relevant to the EPSRC's engineering design research area. First, using methodologies from the literature, a muscle actuated forward dynamics model of a sprint cyclist and bike will be developed. This will be the first simultaneous modelling of biomechanics and aerodynamics for use within an optimisation framework of a track cyclist's position as it will incorporate modelling of the cyclist's skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system, the dynamics of the bicycle and a model for the cyclist's aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance.Secondly, while previous studies have investigated effects of individual bike fit parameters (e.g. saddle height, crank arm length, chain ring geometry etc.) or muscle activation dynamics on a cyclist's ability to produce power, there is currently no work consolidating the combined effects of all of these potential variables. This project will address this by developing an optimisation framework to optimise muscle activation timings and multiple bike fit parameters simultaneously.Finally, a methodology to make the models subject specific will be developed. There are many parameters within current neuromuscularskeletal models that have to be given generalised values as they cannot be easily measured experimentally from an individual's anatomy. This project will use the previously developed biomechanics model along with experimental data from constrained motion maximal effort dynamometer tests and an optimisation routine to determine subject specific value for these neuromuscularskeletal parameters.This project also relates to the EPSRC's assistive technology, rehabilitation and musculoskeletal biomechanics research area as it will allow the modelling of specific individuals and analysis of the forces experiences by the musculoskeletal system under certain movements.