Does pedal mass affect pedaling biomechanics?

Abstract

Bike pedals of different designs have emerged in research and industry spaces. Some pedal designs are constructed with different materials and have greater mass than traditional bike pedals. Given the sagittal plane-dominant motion of the lower extremity during cycling, we investigated the biomechanical implications of bike pedals with increased mass compared to traditional bike pedals. We compared ankle joint kinematics and surface electromyography of primary sagittal plane ankle musculature while cycling at different cadences and work rates using discrete and continuous analyses. Independent samples t-tests and one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping did not reveal statistically significant differences of pedals with increased mass. These results support the idea that bike pedals with increased mass can be used in many intended settings without affecting within-subject lower extremity biomechanics and ankle-spanning muscle activations throughout the entirety of the crank cycle.