Effect of foot fixation on muscle activation and power output during the Wingate test in cyclists

This study examined the effect of simulated foot fixation on neuromuscular activation and power output during a 30-second isokinetic Wingate-type test in trained cyclists. Sixteen well-trained male cyclists and triathletes completed two randomized crossover trials under distinct pedal-foot interface conditions: fixed-foot, using standard athletic shoes secured to flat pedals with elastic bandage to restrict vertical movement, and free-foot, using standard shoes without fixation. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) was recorded from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior to quantify muscle activation, while an isokinetic ergometer continuously measured mechanical power. Compared with the free-foot condition, simulated fixation produced significantly higher peak power (1365.3 ± 153.5 W vs. 1299.0 ± 150.7 W, p = 0.016, d = 0.68) and mean power (900.6 ± 88.4 W vs. 838.3 ± 98.3 W, p < 0.001, d = 1.35), but also a greater fatigue index (47.8 ± 8.0 % vs. 37.2 ± 8.5 %, p < 0.001, d = 1.25). Integrated EMG (iEMG) values increased across all monitored muscles, particularly in the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior, indicating altered neuromuscular coordination and enhanced activation of biarticular and stabilizing muscles. These findings suggest that mechanical stabilization of the foot-pedal interface enhances torque transmission and short-term power generation but concurrently accelerates fatigue development due to elevated neuromuscular and metabolic demands. The results emphasize a trade-off between instantaneous performance gains and fatigue progression, relevant for interpreting Wingate-type tests and optimizing sprint-specific cycling training and equipment configurations.