Study glossary

Each entry first states the general meaning and then where the term appears in the study.

Biomechanics / musculoskeletal system

The study of forces and movements in the human body; the musculoskeletal system comprises bones, joints, muscles and tendons.

In the study: The abstract refers to indications of an optimisation of the musculoskeletal system as a whole.

Blood flow in the forefoot

The blood supply of the forefoot, which can be impaired by sustained high local pressure.

In the study: The study attributes constant blood flow in the forefoot to the optimal support of the foot arches.

Carbon core

A stiffening core element in the insole whose shape influences the position of the foot on the pedal.

In the study: The study describes the carbon core as the cause of the more even power transfer and of the pressure concentration towards the big toe joint.

Custom insole

An insole individually adapted to the athlete's foot as well as to the shoe model.

In the study: The study explicitly examines custom-made cycling shoe insoles, not off-the-shelf products.

Deviation

The distance of a measured value from the reference value — here from the ideal balance of both body sides.

In the study: Without an insole the mean deviation is 7.4 N; with Winsole it is 1 N lower.

Drive force / propulsion

In cycling the force acts directly on pedal and crank and thereby indirectly generates propulsion. This propulsion is additionally influenced by factors such as gear ratio and tyre size.

In the study: The study uses this to justify why only pedal pressure and pressure distribution were evaluated rather than final speed.

First metatarsophalangeal joint

The joint where the first metatarsal meets the big toe — a central pressure point when pedalling.

In the study: Figure 3 shows a concentration of pressure towards this joint when the insole is used.

Force (newton, N)

Force is calculated as the product of mass and acceleration: 1 N = 1 kg · m/s². It describes an action on a body that accelerates or decelerates it.

In the study: The study defines force in its methodology section and reports all measured values in newtons.

Pedal pressure

The pressure acting between foot and shoe, or shoe and pedal, while pedalling.

In the study: Pedal pressure is, alongside pressure distribution, the only measured variable evaluated in the study.

Performance test

A standardised exercise test in which athletes produce power under defined conditions.

In the study: The study states: “The data were collected during a performance test.”

Power transfer

The transmission of the force produced by the leg via foot, shoe and pedal to the crank.

In the study: The study describes measurable effects on power transfer between foot, cycling shoe and pedal.

Pressure distribution

The spatial distribution of pressure across the sole of the foot — which areas are loaded and how strongly.

In the study: Figure 3 shows pressure distribution inside the cycling shoe, without and with the Winsole insole.

Pressure distribution analysis

Measurement procedure in which pressure is captured across an area and evaluated as an image or numerical value.

In the study: The study consists entirely of pressure distribution analyses produced inside the cycling shoe.

Symmetry (50/50 distribution)

The optimum is reached when both feet apply an identical amount of force. Deviations describe an imbalance between right and left.

In the study: Figure 2 depicts the deviation from the optimal 50/50 distribution.

Transverse and longitudinal arch support

Construction elements supporting the transverse arch (forefoot) and the longitudinal arch (medial side of the foot).

In the study: According to the study the insoles used feature a transverse and a longitudinal arch support and are individually fitted.

Uneven loading

A force acting on the body that is unevenly distributed over time or area.

In the study: The study states that uneven loading regularly leads to an increased risk of injury and to long-term wear.