Effects of Foot-Pedal Positions by Inexperienced Cyclists at the Highest Aerobic Level

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the platform foot-pedal position affected maximal oxygen intake (VO₂ max) at the highest aerobic demand in cycling. 21 inexperienced cyclists completed two exercise tests, one in the “normal” platform foot-pedal position and the other in the Biopedal™ forefoot varus foot-pedal position, cycling on an exercise ergometer. The time between tests ranged from 1 to 3 days depending on the subject's reported fatigue and muscle soreness. The highest aerobic demand was the subject's VO₂ max at the point just below the subject's anaerobic threshold. A one-way analysis of variance indicated that the subject's VO₂ max performance was similar between the foot-pedal positions. These results did not support the assumption that the Biopedal™ forefoot varus foot-pedal position would enable the cyclist to be more efficient at the highest aerobic demand when compared to a standard platform foot-pedal position.