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、训练和战术方面都有了很大的进步。然而，围绕着如何最好地利用车手的位置来实现更高的输出功率和减少空气阻力，仍然存在很大程度的不确定性。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。这给结果带来了很大的偏差，因为精英自行车手经过几个小时的训练，已经适应了在某个位置骑行。该项目将采用一种新的研究方法，包括对自行车手的生物力学和任何作用力进行建模和模拟，以便为如何优化自行车设置以使自行车手在自行车场达到最大速度提供无偏见的评估。该项目有三个新的工程设计方面与EPSRC的工程设计研究领域相关。首先，使用文献中的方法，将开发一个短跑自行车手和自行车的肌肉驱动的向前动力学模型。这将是首次在场地自行车手的位置优化框架内使用的生物力学和空气动力学的同时建模，因为它将包括对自行车手的骨骼系统、肌肉系统和神经系统的建模、自行车的动力学以及自行车手的空气动力阻力和滚动阻力的模型。第二，虽然以前的研究已经调查了个人自行车适配参数(例如鞍座高度、曲柄臂长、链环几何形状等)的影响。或肌肉激活动力学对自行车手产生力量的能力的影响，目前还没有工作整合所有这些潜在变量的综合影响。这个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配参数。最后，将开发一种使模型特定于对象的方法。在目前的神经肌肉骨骼模型中，有许多参数必须被赋予概括性的值，因为它们不容易从个人的解剖结构中通过实验测量。这个项目将使用先前开发的生物力学模型，以及来自受限运动最大努力测功机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人进行建模，并分析肌肉骨骼系统在某些运动下所经历的力。

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.