Introduction: To date, the relationship of the plantar pressures in cyclists and the occurrence of injuries is not well-defined (Carpes et al., 2010). The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between the plantar pressure pattern of cyclists with patellofemoral syndrome (PS), iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and those with non-overload lower limbs injury (NI). Material and methods: In a sample of 50 professional cyclists, the plantar pressures were recorded while pedalling using the Biofoot / IBV® system. For pressure analysis, the foot was divided into 9 zones: 3 zones for fingers (F1, F2, F3), 3 zones for the metatarsals (C1, C2, C3), 2 zones for the midfoot (M1, M2) and the hindfoot area (H). Setting cadence at 100 rpm, two powers (100 and 200 Wats.) were used. The order of the test conditions was counterbalanced among all participants. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed with 4 intra-subject factors: Group (NI vs. PS or ITBS), power (100 vs. 200 Wats.) x Foot (Left vs. right) x Zones (F, C, MT, or M, L). Results: A significant interaction Group x Zone x Foot was found: F(1.50,46.66) = 6.07, p = .009, p2 = .16, when cyclists with PS and NI were compared. The post hoc analyses indicated that differences occurred between both, right and left feet in cyclist with PS in areas F and C (forefoot). An interaction Group x Zone was also found: F(1,25) = 3.15, p = .088, p2 = .11, comparing ITBS with NI cyclists. Further analysis showed that cyclists with ITBS applied more pressure in the L zone (lateral). Conclusions: As compared to NI cyclists, those with PS show a different plantar pressure pattern with higher pressures in the forefoot areas, in particular on the medial zones as described by other authors (van Zyl et al., 2001; Wanich et al., 2007). Moreover, cyclists with ITBS showed a distinct plantar pressure pattern compared with NI group. It was identified by greater pressure on the lateral foot area.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Veröffentlicht von University of Vienna. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.