The aim of this study was to analyse the acute effect of foot orthotics on drag area (ACd) and perceived comfort in cyclists affected by a lower limb length inequality (LLLI) in time trial (TT) position. Twenty-nine well-trained cyclists performed two discontinuous incremental exercises (before and after orthopaedic correction) using their personal TT bicycle and equipment on a 250-m indoor velodrome. The ACd was unchanged in both the test group (TG) ( 0.5%, p = 0.707) and the control group (CG) (-1.4%, p = 0.276), whereas the perceived comfort was improved in the TG (+6.2%, p = 0.002) and stabilised in the CG (+0.7%, p = 0.546), after the fitting of the foot orthotics. Pelvis movements were decreased (small effect size) in the TG (-6.2%, p = 0.093, ES = 0.251), whereas they were increased (small effect size) in the CG (+5.2%, p = 0.159, ES = 0.215). TT position was slightly improved by compensating for a LLLI, as the ACd was stabilised and the level of comfort was improved. Thus, cyclists affected by a LLLI are recommended to compensate with foot orthotics in order to improve their level of comfort and consequently their performance in TT position.
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