Exploring a Novel Cycling Shoe Cleat Position Based on Muscle Activity During Cycling : A Pilot Study

Background: Cleat position substantially influences joint contribution and neuromuscular strategy during cycling. Conventional cleat placement beneath the metatarsal heads increases ankle joint involvement, whereas a more posterior placement has been proposed to reduce plantar-flexor demand and promote hip- and knee-dominant pedaling. However, the posterior limit of cleat adjustment in standard cycling shoes is small, and the biomechanical characteristics of cleat placement directly beneath the anatomical ankle joint center remain unclear. Purpose: This pilot study investigated how positioning the cleat directly under the ankle joint affects muscle activation patterns and pedaling characteristics compared with a conventional anterior cleat position. Methods: One healthy, non-trained female participant completed cycling trials on an upright ergometer at 40 rpm, 70 rpm, and during a 20-s all-out sprint under two cleat conditions: (1) anterior cleat position (ACP), located beneath the metatarsal heads, and (2) posterior cleat position (PCP), aligned directly beneath the ankle joint center. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from 10 lower-limb muscles. EMG was analyzed across the full pedal cycle and within eight sub-phases defined by pedal angle. Subjective pedaling sensations were assessed after each condition. Results: Compared with ACP, PCP consistently reduced average EMG of the plantar-flexor muscles (SOL and GasL; 40.3–93.3%) across all cadence stages, while increasing or maintaining activation of the thigh and hip extensors (ST, BF, VL, VM, RF, GM; 98.3–140.6%). During the all-out stage, PCP shifted peak activity of multiple muscles to later pedal phases and redistributed mechanical contribution from ankle plantar-flexors to hip and knee extensors without reducing overall cadence. PCP also altered the timing of TA activation and increased its magnitude (124.6–166.7%), suggesting enhanced ankle stabilization. Subjectively, the participant reported ankle instability and a forceful pedaling sensation in ACP, whereas PCP resulted in less forceful sensation but greater perceived activation of the gluteal and posterior thigh muscles. Conclusion: Positioning the cleat directly beneath the ankle joint center reduces ankle plantar-flexor involvement and promotes a hip–knee dominant pedaling strategy, resembling patterns typically observed in skilled cyclists. This posterior cleat placement may enhance pedaling stability and reduce ankle load, and could be particularly beneficial for novice or older cyclists who tend to rely excessively on the ankle joint. Further research with larger samples and varied ergometer setups is warranted.