Search Results (2)

Morphological and functional asymmetry of the lower limbs is a well-recognized factor contributing to musculoskeletal injuries among athletes across different levels. However, limited research exists on evaluating foot mobility asymmetry as a potential predictor of such injuries. This study aimed to (1) assess the frequency of foot mobility asymmetries among amateur athletes, (2) investigate the predictive value of foot mobility asymmetry (measured via navicular height drop) for injury risk, and (3) explore the relationship between foot type and injury occurrence. A cross-sectional sampling method was employed to select 45 physically active male amateur athletes (runners and team sports practitioners) from a university. Injury history was retrospectively recorded, and a modified navicular drop test was conducted to classify foot arch height. The predictive power of navicular height drop asymmetry was analyzed using ROC curves, and the relationship between foot type (neutral and defective combinations—pronated or supinated) and injury occurrence was examined using chi-square tests for independence. Multiple logistic regression was applied to calculate injury risk odds ratios across different foot type subgroups. The results revealed a significant frequency (51.1%) of participants with at least one defective foot, including 31.1% with one neutral and one defective foot and 20% with both feet defective. Navicular height drop asymmetry emerged as a valuable predictor of injuries, with a 36% asymmetry identified as the cut-off for increased injury risk (AUC = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.691–0.973, p < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between foot type and injury occurrence. Only one out of 22 participants with neutral feet (4.55%) experienced an injury, compared to 9 out of 14 (64.29%) with one neutral and one defective foot and 5 out of 9 (55.56%) with both feet defective. These differences were statistically significant (χ² = 16.24, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.60). The odds ratio for injury risk was 37.8 (p = 0.016) for those with asymmetry (one neutral and one defective foot) and 26.3 (p = 0.102) for those with both feet defective, compared to participants with both feet neutral. In clinical practice, these findings suggest that routine screenings for physically active individuals should incorporate foot mobility asymmetry assessment. However, it is essential to integrate this factor with other risk indicators. For individuals exhibiting high asymmetry, general foot defect correction programs may be beneficial, but injury prevention strategies should adopt a more comprehensive approach, focusing on overall fitness and tailored interventions for high-risk individuals. Full article

Many studies have focused on the plantar pressure characteristics of specific movements and footwork in tennis. However, little research has been conducted for exploring the foot characteristics among tennis professionals’ daily habitual paces. This study aims to examine the pressure profiles associated with foot posture and balance abilities of elite tennis players during normal gait to understand how foot loading patterns result from habitual paces that may be derived from intensive tennis training and competition. A cross-sectional comparative study is conducted on 95 male college elite tennis players (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.2 years) and 100 male recreational tennis players (mean age: 19.8 ± 0.9 years). Bipedal plantar pressure distributions (PPDs) associated with arch index (AI) and centers of gravity balance are explored through the plantar pressure device. The foot posture is estimated to determine the rearfoot postural alignment. During the midstance phase of walking with a normal gait, the bipedal AI values of the elite group are significantly lower, indicating that they have high-arched feet. Additionally, the elite group experienced higher PPDs at the lateral regions of their longitudinal arches and heels and relatively lower PPDs at the medial portions of both feet. Rearfoot postural alignment resonance analysis of the PPDs suggests that the elite group experienced foot supination associated with cuboid dropped. Moreover, the right foot bears heavier centers of gravity balance in the present study. The elite tennis players in the study are categorized as having high-arched supination with cuboids dropped when performing daily habitual paces. This finding warrants further investigation into the correlation between possible injuries and daily habitual paces that may result from tennis’ intensive training and competition. Full article