Optimizing Cycling & Running Performance Through Personalised Footwear
Our research examined different shoe inserts and specialty running shoes to understand how they impact performance and injury risk during cycling and running.
In one study, we tested three levels of custom shoe inserts in regular cycling shoes on seventeen cyclists. While the group overall showed little change in foot motion or pressure on the pedals, a closer look at each individual revealed some had big differences depending on the insert they used. Some had changes to their balance and foot pressure, suggesting a need to tailor the inserts for their own feet’s unique shape and movement. We believe this customization of cycling shoe inserts could help some people feel more comfortable and stable when pedaling long distances to prevent injury. In another study, we tested “carbon plated” technology shoes made for racing compared to traditional running shoes on one runner. We looked at their breathing, oxygen use, and joint motion while running on a treadmill for a full hour. The carbon plated shoes improved their running efficiency and performance over time, though the Nike shoe model worked better than the adidas one based on individual reactions. So, while specialty running shoes seem to optimize motion and physiology for races and harder workouts, the ideal shoe differs from person to person based on their body mechanics. Overall our studies highlight the potential for personalized shoe or insert choices to enhance different aspects of cycling and running, but more real-world testing is needed first.
By investigating the individual reactions of these segments and their interrelationships during running gait, we aim to enhance our comprehension of the spine’s role in this dynamic process. Moreover, we seek to ascertain whether manipulating the interaction between the spine and other segments, such as the pelvis, holds potential performance benefits during running. Notably, prior studies utilizing motion capture techniques predominantly treated the spine as a rigid entity or concentrated solely on thoracic movement. Furthermore, assessments of trunk movement often centred on its relationship with the pelvis, offering limited insight into the individual contributions of these segments to relative motion.