Changes in plantar loading based on shoe type and sex during a jump-landing task

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Metatarsal stress fractures are prevalent among athletes using cleated footwear.
• Previous research indicates that footwear, sex, and activity influence plantar loading patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different shoe types and sex on plantar loading in five distinct foot regions during a jump-landing task.
• Analyze plantar loading in the medial midfoot (MMF), lateral midfoot (LMF), medial forefoot (MFF), middle forefoot (MidFF), and lateral forefoot (LFF).

Main Methods:

• A crossover study design was employed in a laboratory setting.
• Twenty-seven recreational athletes (14 men, 13 women) participated.
• Participants performed jump-landing trials in bladed-cleat, turf-cleat, and running shoes, with analysis of maximum force, contact area, contact time, and force-time integral in each foot region.

Main Results:

• Men demonstrated greater force-time integrals in the MMF, LMF, MFF, and LFF compared to women.
• Bladed-cleat shoes reduced MMF maximum force and total foot contact area, while increasing MFF and LFF force-time integrals.
• Running shoes resulted in lower total foot and MidFF maximum force, and reduced LFF contact area, but increased MMF contact area.

Conclusions:

• Significant sex-based differences in foot loading exist during jump landings, irrespective of footwear.
• Bladed cleats appear to elevate forefoot loading, potentially increasing the risk of forefoot injuries.
• Footwear selection is a critical consideration for athletes rehabilitating from metatarsal stress fractures.