Biomechanical forefoot varus influences cycling power output

Can Foot Orthotics Improve Cycling Power Output?

There is limited research relating to cycling biomechanics, and more specifically, the use of foot orthotics to enhance cycling performance. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of forefoot varus wedges (foot orthotics) on cycling performance, as measured by anaerobic power output in a population of untrained males presenting with forefoot varus. Six untrained males (forefoot varus mean ± SD; 6.1 ± 1.7°) completed two separate 30 s Wingate Anaerobic tests (WAnT) on a Monark 824E cycle ergometer, one with and one without varus wedges, in a counterbalanced order. Although paired-sample t-tests revealed no significant difference P > .05 in mean power, peak power, and anaerobic fatigue between the two conditions, a Pearson’s productmoment correlation coefficient (r = .957, n = 6, P = .003) demonstrated that varus wedges offer greater performance benefits to riders with greater forefoot varus. These preliminary data suggest that correcting forefoot varus using wedges may improve shortterm power output during cycling for individuals possessing high levels of forefoot varus.

"This is a fairly unique work which indicates that in a very specific condition- untrained male cyclists- subjected to anaerobic levels of cycling stress, the use of a varus-wedged device (insole or pedal) increased power output. This should be interpreted with caution, given the small number of subjects (6) and that they were not individuals who undertake serious or competitive training. The effect of this kind of modification in high mileage training or racing is unknown." - Dr Bob Eckles

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