Influence of flat feet on the lateral movements of tennis players

This study investigated the effect of flat feet on the lateral movements of tennis players. Lateral footwork is crucial in tennis, and variations in the athletes' physical characteristics can affect footwork efficiency. Flat feet hinder forward propulsion; however, their relationship to lateral propulsion remains unclear. Thus, this study focused on foot morphology among other physical traits. Seventeen male university tennis players were evaluated using the navicular drop test and categorised into the flat foot (eight participants) and normal foot (nine participants) groups. The kinematic and kinetic data during the crossover step movements were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates. Although no significant intergroup differences in lateral propulsion, represented by the lateral peak acceleration of the centre of mass, were observed, individuals with flat feet exhibited significantly higher ankle maximum dorsiflexion angles and maximum eversion moments than those with normal feet. Individuals with flat feet are likely to compensate for functional deficits by increasing muscle activity, which may increase the risk of injury. Further research on muscle activity during sports movements and injury prevalence is necessary to improve the prevention and treatment strategies.