Carbon Fiber Insoles Enhance Perception of Performance Despite Variable Objective Outcomes: Specific to the Moderately Active Individual

Authors

Erin E. Dierickx, University of ConnecticutFollow
Cody R. Butler, University of Connecticut
Robert A. Huggins, University of Connecticut
Emma Zuk, University of Connecticut
Lea C. Mason, University of Connecticut
Lindsay J. DiStefano, University of Connecticut
Douglas J. Casa, University of Connecticut

Other Subject Area

performance enhancement

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 885-897, 2023. Carbon fiber insoles (CFIs) may benefit performance in elite athletes, however, their use in moderately active individuals has been adopted without evidence supporting such enhancements in this population. Fifteen male subjects performed vertical jump (VJ) and repeat treadmill sprint tests before and after a VO_2peak while wearing 1) CFIs and 2) control insoles (CON). Subjects completed a subjective survey regarding their perceived performance abilities for both conditions. There were no significant differences between CFIs and CON in VJ height, sprint distance, heart rate following sprints; and rate of oxygen consumption, perceived fatigue, and perceived exertion at 85% of maximal speed (p > 0.05) during the VO_2peak. At maximal speed, although there was no difference between conditions in peak rate of oxygen consumption (95%CI [-4.85, 0.21]) and respiratory exchange ratio (95%CI [-0.01, 0.03]), CFIs resulted in a reduced level of perceived fatigue (95%CI [-1, 0]) and perceived exertion (95%CI [-2, 0]) compared to CON. Subjects subjectively reported increased feelings of “propulsion or explosiveness” (p = 0.026) and being able to “perform better while jumping” (p = 0.029) while wearing CFIs. Heightened perceptions of performance enhancements when wearing CFIs indicate, in the moderately active, perceptual benefits could be more influential for determining CFI use.

Recommended Citation

Dierickx, Erin E.; Butler, Cody R.; Huggins, Robert A.; Zuk, Emma; Mason, Lea C.; DiStefano, Lindsay J.; and Casa, Douglas J. (2023) "Carbon Fiber Insoles Enhance Perception of Performance Despite Variable Objective Outcomes: Specific to the Moderately Active Individual," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 16 : Iss. 4, Pages 885 - 897.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol16/iss4/16