Development of a new geometric bicycle saddle for the maintenance of genital-perineal vascular perfusion.

OBJECTIVE To identify a bicycle saddle model for cyclists who cover long distances, to minimally reduce the compression on the structures of the pelvic floor, thereby protecting blood perfusion of the penis and avoiding possible consequences on penile erection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparison between a new geometric development of a bicycle saddle model (SMP) and one of the more frequently used models by professional cyclists was made. The measurement of the partial pressure of penile transcutaneous oxygen (PtcO(2)) in 29 healthy voluntary cyclists was recorded to investigate the differences of compression from two different saddles on the vascular structures of the perineum. The PtcO(2) was recorded at 3 and 10 minutes in conditions of static sitting. Then, the values of PtcO(2) were recorded for 15 minutes while the cyclists were in a 60-degree position and in stable hemodynamic conditions. RESULTS A t-test was performed to measure the level of confidence. The clear superiority of the SMP saddle in preventing vascular compression of the perineal structures was demonstrated to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION The experiment validated the effectiveness of the SMP saddle in limiting the compression on the pelvic floor. In addition, the SMP saddle introduces compatible seat dimensions that cyclists prefer to cover long distances.