Sport & leisure

See our articles on the Ergonomics Contribution to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Ergonomists apply human sciences to people in the working environment. This environment can extend to professional sports as well as leisure and recreation contexts, where all the fundamental ergonomic principles can be applied.

The intensity of exercise can be monitored to ensure that the athlete is not over or under-loaded. Safety is paramount if training is to be effective and injuries often result from faulty techniques, equipment or training programmes.

It is often impractical to study ergonomics during actual sports competitions or recreational activities, so simulation of a task or activity is important. Such simulations can reduce the cost and risks associated with introducing ergonomic interventions in the real world.

Let's look at the example of cycling. Obviously the size of the bicycle must be matched to the size of the person, but did you know that there are optimal anthropometric-related dimensions (e.g. saddle height, crank length, etc) for a person's power output on a bike? A comfortable bike is not all about the saddle. Ergonomists study all points of human-machine interaction, including the shape and width of the handlebars to analyse comfort and optimal power output. Aerodynamics can play a big role in top-level competitive cycling, but this is not just about 'the lower the position the better'.

Ergonomists must work within the rules of competition and also ensure that power output and comfort are not compromised by any extreme position adopted to reduce the effects of air resistance. There's also the environmental aspects to consider. Cyclists might be under considerable thermal strain while climbing an Alpine Mountain pass in the summer, yet have to cope with very cool conditions at altitude on the fast descents and clothing needs to be designed to take such factors into account.

In order to maintain energy balance, Tour de France cyclists may have to consume 24 Megajoules of energy per day, which is equivalent to more than 25 cheeseburgers! Next time you are participating in a sport or leisure activity, think about all the factors that influence your performance and safety.

Text by Greg Atkinson