Effect of the morphology of the soles of the feet on plantar pressure distribution in young athletes with different foot types

Introduction and objective: Previous studies have suggested that differences in the structure of the feet might affect the behaviour of plantar pressure distribution, this might increase the probability of getting injured. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the morphology of the soles of the feet on plantar pressure distribution among normal foot, flatfoot, extreme cavus and cavus foot in static and dynamic conditions. Methodology: One hundred and eighteen athletes, mean age 14.45 ± 2.17 years, mean mass 58.78 ± 12.18 kg took part in this research. None of the participants presented an injury that prevented them from carrying out the tests. Results: It was found that the load distribution in the hindfoot of the flat foot, extreme cavus and cavus foot was higher than the normal foot in static condition. However, One-way ANOVA analysis did not show a significant difference among these feet conditions (right foot, P=.25 and left foot, P=.36). The analysis of pressure in dynamic conditions revealed that athletes with right cavus foot had a higher value in the metatarsal region, this could be a risk factor for producing musculoskeletal abnormalities. Conversely, lowering pressure in flatfoot subjects would present a lower risk. Conclusion: The analysis of the plantar pressure distribution among the 4 types of feet in static and dynamic conditions proves that plantar pressure is modified by the type of foot of each individual. The results of the current work contribute directly to learning more about the biomechanics of plantar pressure distribution in subjects with different foot types.