Renato R Azevedo1, Emmanuel S da Rocha1, Pedro S Franco1, Felipe P Carpes2. 1. Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physical Education, Physical Education and Sports Centre, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. 2. Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physical Education, Physical Education and Sports Centre, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: carpes@unipampa.edu.br.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Asymmetries in the magnitude of plantar pressure are considered a risk factor for stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in soccer athletes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of plantar pressure asymmetries among young soccer athletes. DESIGN: Observational. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty young adolescents divided into a soccer player group (n = 15) or a matched control group (n = 15). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean plantar pressure was determined for seven different regions of the foot. Data were compared between the preferred and non-preferred foot, and between the groups, during barefoot standing on a pressure mat system. RESULTS: Higher pressure was found in the hallux, 5th metatarsal and medial rearfoot of the non-preferred foot in the young soccer players. These asymmetries were not observed in the control group. Magnitudes of plantar pressure did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Young soccer players present asymmetries in plantar pressure in the hallux, 5th metatarsal and medial rearfoot, with higher pressure observed in the non-preferred foot.
BACKGROUND: Asymmetries in the magnitude of plantar pressure are considered a risk factor for stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in soccer athletes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of plantar pressure asymmetries among young soccer athletes. DESIGN: Observational. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty young adolescents divided into a soccer player group (n = 15) or a matched control group (n = 15). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean plantar pressure was determined for seven different regions of the foot. Data were compared between the preferred and non-preferred foot, and between the groups, during barefoot standing on a pressure mat system. RESULTS: Higher pressure was found in the hallux, 5th metatarsal and medial rearfoot of the non-preferred foot in the young soccer players. These asymmetries were not observed in the control group. Magnitudes of plantar pressure did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Young soccer players present asymmetries in plantar pressure in the hallux, 5th metatarsal and medial rearfoot, with higher pressure observed in the non-preferred foot.
Authors: Francisco Tomás González-Fernández; Alfonso Castillo-Rodríguez; Lorena Rodríguez-García; Filipe Manuel Clemente; Ana Filipa Silva Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-22 Impact factor: 4.614