For the subject in this study, the upright bike gave a greater range of motion for both the hip and knee joints per revolution than the recumbent bike. However, the upright bike worked in an easier and more normal range of motion than the recumbent bike. If the goal of an exercise is to obtain the absolute greatest range of motion in both the hip and knee joints per revolution, and to work the patient in a normal, everyday range of motion, the upright stationary bike is the better choice. If the goal of an exercise if to work the patient in a more challenging range of motion, and to stress the muscles in a range not normally worked in, then the recumbent stationary bike is the better choice.
Our data defines the range of motion inherent to both bicycles. These results can be used in favor of either bike depending on the desired use of a stationary bicycle. These results can be summarized in a few distinct findings. First, the upright bike yields a greater range of motion for the thigh segment, the knee joint, and the hip joint. Second, the thigh segment in the recumbent bike revolution experiences a much greater amount of flexion than in the upright bike revolution. For example, the point of maximum extension of the thigh segment in the recumbent revolution is still more flexed than the point of maximum flexion of the thigh segment in the upright revolution. Third, the knee joint moves through a very similar range of motion on the two bikes, but is slightly greater on the upright bike. Fourth, the hip joint range of motion is much greater on the upright bike, but it experiences a lesser degree of flexion stress. For example, the point of maximum flexion at the hip joint on the upright bike was only 24 degrees greater than the point of maximum extension on the recumbent bike. The linear displacement of the knee was similar on the two bikes.
This study could be improved by examining the same two bikes but at different speeds to see if and how the range of motion would change. Also, studying the muscle force involved to complete a revolution on each bike due to the anatomical position of the muscles and bones because of the type of bike could be further studied to define the different torques and stresses each bike places on the body. Because this study was limited to an analysis of the joint angles and velocities, these topics were not able to be examined. Along with these areas, the presence or absence of a back support (as is provided on the recumbent bike) and its effect on back muscle soreness should be subsequently examined.