Influence of sport discipline on foot arching and load distribution: pilot studies

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between body mass index and the longitudinal foot arches and foot load distribution in athletes. The foot is an important part of the musculoskeletal system, it serves the supporting and motive functions that condition human locomotion. It has a characteristic internal and external architecture. The foot is affected by a number of factors having either a positive impact on it or contributing to the formation of defects. The research included 18 athletes participating in throwing and jumping disciplines (age 20-25). Using the body mass index, underweight, correct body weight, overweight and obesity were determined. Foot assessment was made using the Clarke method. The FDM-3 dynamo graphic platform from Zebris was used to analyze the foot load distribution. Throwing athletes (n = 10) were overweight and obese while jumping athletes (n = 8) were of correct body weight. In the whole group there were generally high longitudinal arched feet, while the foot load distribution was different (p < 0.05). The somatic parameters as well as the arches and foot load distribution values were different in both examined groups because due to the specificity of sport discipline, competitors own different morphological profiles. Body mass index and longitudinal arching of the feet significantly affect the distribution load of foot in throwing athletes. Such correlations were not noted in jumping disciplines athletes.