Difference in plantar pressure between the preferred and non-preferred feet in four soccer-related movements. Issue 2 (30th November 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, Pui-lam; Chamari, Karim; Chaouachi, Anis; Mao, De Wei; Wisløff, Ulrik; Hong, Youlian
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 41:Issue 2(2007)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2006-11-30
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.030908
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objective and participants: The present study measured the difference in plantar pressure between the preferred and non-preferred foot in four soccer-related movements in 15 male university soccer players (mean (SD) age 20.9 (1.3) years, mean (SD) height 173 (4) cm and mean (SD) weight 61.7 (3.6) kg). Design: To record plantar pressure distribution, players randomly wore three types of soccer shoes (classical 6-stud and 12-stud, and specially designed 12-stud) embedded with an insole pressure recorder device with 99 sensors, divided into 10 areas for analysis. Plantar pressure was recorded in five successful trials in each of the four soccer-related movements: running (at 3.3 m/s), sideward cutting, 45° cutting and landing from a vertical jump. Results: Plantar pressures of the preferred and non-preferred foot were different in 115 of 120 comparisons. The overall plantar pressure of the preferred foot was higher than that of the non-preferred foot. Specifically, in each of the four movements, higher pressure was found in the preferred foot during the take-off phase, whereas this was found in the non-preferred foot during the landing phase. This would suggest a tendency of the preferred foot for higher motion force and of the non-preferred foot for a greater role in body stabilisation. Conclusions: The data indicate that the preferred and non-preferred foot should be treated independently with regard to strength/power training to avoid unnecessary injuries. Different shoes/insoles and different muscular strengthening programmes are thus suggested for each of the soccer player's feet.