PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSES TO CYCLING IN BIOMECHANICALLY ADAPTED VERSUS TRADITIONAL CYCLING SHOES

A biomechanically adapted (BMA) cycling shoe was designed to improve the mechanics of cycling gait. The BMA shoe includes 1.5 mm of medial varus canting intended to reduce medial excursion of the knee during the cycling gait. The physiologic responses to biomechanically altered cycling gait are unknown. PURPOSE To determine the physiologic responses of cycling in BMA versus traditional (TRAD) cycling shoes. METHODS Twenty well-trained cyclists (VO2 max 55.0 ± 7 ml/kg/min, > 8 hrs cycle training/week) performed a baseline VO2 max and lactate threshold test and two random ordered double-blind endurance trials using BMA and TRAD cycling shoes. Each endurance trial lasted 90 minutes and was performed at a constant power output equal to 80% of lactate threshold power. Oxygen cost (VO2), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (BLac) were measured at 30, 60, and 90 minutes. All variables were statistically compared using paired Student's T-tests. RESULTS HR at 60 minutes (146.2 ± 10.8 beats/min versus 148.9 ± 10.4 beats/min, P < 0.05) and 90 minutes (149.1 ± 11.4 beats/min, versus 152.2 ± 10.7 beats/min, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the BMA versus TRAD shoe. No significant differences were measured in VO2, RPE, and BLac. CONCLUSION A decrease was observed in heart rate at 60 and 90 minutes between BMA and TRAD shoes and differences in both HR and VO2 amplified over time. Longer or more intense cycling bouts may result in greater differences in physiologic cost. Supported by Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Moran Hill, CA.Figure: No Caption Available