Acute effect of biomechanical foot orthotics on gross efficiency in cyclists affected by an anatomic asymmetry in time trial position

(Akute Auswirkung biomechanischer Einlagen auf die Bruttowirkungsgrade bei Radfahrern, die von einer anatomischen Asymmetrie in der Zeitfahrposition betroffen sind)

Cyclist position on his bicycle and individual anthropometric parameters are very important to optimise pedalling biomechanics (Bini et al. 2011). Postural imbalance can lead to increase joint stress in the lower limbs. Therefore, different methods are used to reduce these joint stresses such as chiropractic, kinesio taping or the use of foot orthotics. The latter seem to be of interest to reduce parasitic movements during the pedalling cycle (e.g. pelvis tilt) and to restore the symmetry of the movements, both during the pushing and pulling phases of the pedal. Hice et al. (1985) measured a significant decrease in oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate with foot orthotics in laboratory. Moreover, Yang (2013) showed that, when cycling with personal bicycle, the contribution of foot orthotics had beneficial effects on muscular activity of vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius medialis which are recruited during the pushing phase. The activation time of those muscles decreases, which leads to a decrease in muscular fatigue, while the peak muscle power increases. The scientific literature is controversial on the influence of foot orthotics in cycling. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyse the acute effect of foot orthotics on gross efficiency (GE) and comfort in cyclists affected by an anatomic asymmetry in TT position. We hypothesize that foot orthotics could increase comfort and GE with a decrease in VO2 considering better stability on the saddle.
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Schlagworte: Biomechanik Radsport Anthropometrie Dysbalance Fuß Hilfsgerät
Notationen: Naturwissenschaften und Technik Ausdauersportarten Sportstätten und Sportgeräte
DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2017.1382842
Veröffentlicht in: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
Veröffentlicht: 2017
Jahrgang: 20
Heft: S1
Seiten: 23-24
Dokumentenarten: Artikel
Sprache: Englisch
Level: hoch