Objectives: This study aims to compare ankle force, mobility, flexibility, and plantar pressure distribution of athletes according to foot posture index (FPI). Patients and methods: Between September 2016 and May 2018, a total of 70 volunteer male athletes (mean age: 21.1±2.3 years; range, 18 to 25 years) were included. The athletes were divided into three groups according to their FPI as follows: having supinated feet (Group 1, n=16), neutral/normal feet (Group 2, n=36), or pronated feet (Group 3, n=18). Ankle range of motion (ROM), muscle flexibility, ankle joint strength, and plantar pressure distribution were measured. Results: There were significant differences among the three groups in both right and left ankle dorsiflexion ROM (p=0.009 and p=0.003, respectively). Group 1 had significantly smaller dorsiflexion ROM than the other groups. Group 1 also showed significantly less flexibility in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles than the other foot posture groups. Groups 2 and 3 exhibited significant differences in the maximum torque (p=0.018), maximum work (p=0.008), and total work (p=0.008) of the right plantar flexor muscles at 60°/sec angular velocity. Peak pressure measurements of the right foot were higher in Group 1, compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study may help to enhance athletic performance by providing a guide for designing training programs appropriate for athletes with different foot types to address their specific muscle flexibility and strength deficiencies.
Hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (ADD) muscle imbalances lead to injuries in lumbo-pelvic hip complex, and these imbalances and other factors such as foot posture might affect dynamic balance. The present study aims to examine body mass index (BMI), dynamic balance and hip muscle strength values of adolescents with different foot posture alteration. Fifty-nine healthy adolescents (mean age 12±3 years, height 156±11.46 cm, weight 50.57±11.60 kg) voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups according to Foot Posture Index (FPI): (Neutral Foot Group (NFG), n=48 / Prone Foot Group (PFG), n=11). The participants’ single leg – both legs dynamic balance values were measured by using balance measurement device (TOGUtm), and their hip ABD and ADD isometric muscle strengths were measured through the load cell. The dynamic balance, BMI and muscle strength values of the groups were compared by using Independent Sample t-Test. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups according to right and left single leg dynamic balance values (p<0.05). The study revealed that one of the most significant factors affecting dynamic balance in adolescents is foot posture. It is believed that using insoles suitable for the foot posture might be helpful in increasing the efficiency of dynamic movements carried out on a single leg and it is essential to suggest some exercises to correct foot postures when necessary.
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