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Characteristic plantar pressure distribution patterns during soccer-specific movements
Eric Eils1, Markus Streyl, Stefan Linnenbecker
1Funktionsbereich Bewegungsanalytik (Movement Analysis Lab), Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemeine Orthopädie, University Hospital Münster, Germany. eils@unin-muenster.de
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 3, 2004
Summary
Soccer players experience distinct foot loading patterns during maneuvers like cutting and kicking. These high loads, especially with repetitive movements, may contribute to overuse injuries in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Soccer involves dynamic movements placing significant stress on the foot.
- Understanding foot loading is crucial for injury prevention in athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze in-shoe foot pressure during soccer-specific actions.
- To identify primary foot loading zones across different maneuvers and surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Plantar pressure data collected using the Pedar Mobile system in 21 male soccer players.
- Evaluated four movements: normal run, cutting, sprinting, and goal shot.
- Tested on both grass and red cinder playing surfaces.
Main Results:
- Distinct foot pressure patterns were observed for each maneuver.
- Cutting loaded the medial foot; sprinting, the first and second metatarsals; kicking, the lateral foot.
- No significant difference in pressure parameters was found between grass and cinder surfaces.
Conclusions:
- High and repetitive foot loading in soccer is a potential factor in overuse injuries.
- Targeted interventions may mitigate injury risk by addressing specific loading patterns.