Difference in plantar pressure between the preferred and non-preferred feet in four soccer-related movements.
OBJECTIVE
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).


METHODS
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 degrees 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.
Wong
Pui-lam
PL
Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 852 Hong Kong. delwong@alumni.cuhk.net
Chamari
Karim
K
Chaouachi
Anis
A
Mao
De Wei
DW
Wisløff
Ulrik
U
Hong
Youlian
Y
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D012775:Shoes; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D019876:Sports Equipment