Even with the best bike positioning, overuse injuries to the lower extremities may still occur. Over time, due to repetitious pedaling, even the slightest deviation in skeletal alignment or biomechanics may result in injury, dysfunction or reduced performance. The foot, specifically the medial longitudinal arch, forms the foundation for the skeletal system. For decades, despite the publications of Tiberio, Powers and Neumann, the medical community still researches and treats the possible focal effects of hyperpronation without evaluating the global biomechanics of the lower extremity. The running community has recognized the adverse effects of pronation and now manufactures shoes to limit or prevent it. The cycling community has no research pertaining to the biomechanics or pathomechanics of the foot/ankle/lower extremity during pedaling. Meanwhile, medical professionals have treated cyclists with syndromes such as; Medial Tibial Stress, Patellofemoral Pain and Iliotibial Band, which have possible associations to hyperpronation with mixed results. Bike fitters, whom cyclists consult after their friends and the internet, continue to treat these symptoms with a change in equipment and/or saddle position, changing mechanics without addressing the cause.
© Copyright 2023 Journal of Science and Cycling. Cycling Research Center. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.