The Relationship Between Static Plantar Pressure Distribution, Lower Extremity Isokinetic Muscle Strength, and Body...

Badminton is characterized by rapid multidirectional movements and repetitive unilateral loading, which may influence plantar pressure distribution, lower-extremity muscle strength, and body composition. The use of static plantar pressure assessment provides a practical and accessible method to characterize loading patterns although it does not capture dynamic sport-specific movements. This study aimed to evaluate these parameters and examine their interrelationships in elite badminton athletes.

This retrospective study included 31 elite badminton athletes (14 females, 17 males). Static plantar pressure distribution was assessed using pedobarography, isokinetic knee strength was measured at 60 and 180°/s using a dynamometer, and body composition was evaluated via multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis. Hamstring-quadriceps ratios (H/Q), bilateral strength asymmetries (calculated as absolute inter-limb differences), and plantar pressure variables were calculated. Group comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests, associations were assessed using Spearman correlation with Benjamini-Hochberg correction, and exploratory multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify potential predictors of performance outcomes.

Model-based estimates of muscle mass demonstrated strong correlations with isokinetic peak torque at both angular velocities (ρ = 0.847-0.918, all FDR-adjusted p < 0.001) and were identified as a consistent predictor knee flexor and extensor strength (β = 0.52-0.64, R ² = 56-65%). Male athletes showed significantly greater forefoot loading and higher torque production compared with females (p < 0.05). Anthropometric variables did not significantly predict plantar pressure distribution or strength asymmetry. Although mean H/Q ratios were within normative ranges, their interpretation should be approached cautiously, and substantial inter-individual variability in asymmetry was observed.

Model-derived muscle mass appears to be an important correlate of isokinetic knee strength in elite badminton athletes, whereas plantar loading patterns and strength asymmetries appear to be influenced by neuromuscular and biomechanical factors beyond body morphology. Given the observational design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Multidimensional assessment may support individualized performance optimization and inform, rather than directly predict, injury-risk management.