XSENSOR's Sports Performance Science Contributor, Antonio Robustelli, MSc, CSCS (Sports Performance Scientist & Technologist with OmniAthlete Performance Concept), offers his take on essential and recommended reading, research, and review for plantar pressure applications using gait analysis for athletes.
Be sure to tune in to get the abstracts, summaries, and key takeaways, or read the complete studies.
The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of fifth metatarsal strain generation during cutting motions performed while playing soccer, using a finite element foot model. Five collegiate soccer players performed the side-step cutting and cross-step cutting motions to measure three-dimensional foot kinematics, ground reaction forces, and plantar pressure distributions. In addition, a finite-element model of a foot consisting of bony structures, ligaments, and skin was constructed from computed tomography images. Simulations were conducted to perform the cutting motions, using the measured foot motion and distributed load on the plantar surface as boundary conditions for the model. During the side-step cutting, the maximum principal strain on the fifth metatarsal was correlated to forefoot adduction angle during stepping out. For cross-step cutting, the maximum principal strain was associated with plantar pressure at the distal end of the fifth metatarsal. Therefore, to prevent a fracture, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the lateral bending deformation of the forefoot while stepping out during side-step cutting and to reduce the plantar pressure on the distal end of the fifth metatarsal during cross-step cutting.
Why the Study is Relevant
The study aims to clarify whether differences in cutting motions affect the generation of strain in the fifth metatarsal.
The study design has a very low sample size (n = 5), and some limitations related to the proper description of the methods used.
While the finite element model analysis, as well as the research question, represent a potentially powerful approach, the simulated nature of the experiment may not perfectly replicate what happens in a real-world scenario, such as a complex environment like a football game.
Furthermore, no detailed description of the level (training status, training experience, etc.) of the subjects involved in the experiment, nor are there details about the technical specifications of the measuring equipment, such as resolution and sampling frequency.
Summary
Fifth metatarsal stress fractures are one of the most common foot injuries in team sports such as football and American football.
It is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of fifth metatarsal stress fractures to develop effective preventive strategies.
The authors of this study aimed to determine whether different cutting motions affect the generation of strain in the fifth metatarsal.
Key Takeaways
During side-step cutting, the strain generated on the fifth metatarsal is mainly due to forefoot adduction during stepping out.
During cross-step cutting, the strain generated on the fifth metatarsal occurs mainly because of the upward bending moment caused by the plantar pressure just below the distal end of the fifth metatarsal.
To prevent fifth metatarsal stress fracture, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the lateral bending deformation of the forefoot while stepping out during side-step cutting and to reduce the plantar pressure on the distal end of the fifth metatarsal during cross-step cutting.
This study aimed to elucidate the foot kinematics and foot pressure difference characteristics of faster swimmers in undulatory underwater swimming (UUS). In total, eight faster and eight slower swimmers performed UUS in a water flume at a flow velocity set at 80% of the maximal effort swimming velocity. The toe velocity and foot angle of attack were measured using a motion capture system. A total of eight small pressure sensors were attached to the surface of the left foot to calculate the pressure difference between the plantar and dorsal sides of the foot. Differences in the mean values of each variable between the groups were analysed. Compared to the slower swimmers, the faster swimmers exhibited a significantly higher swimming velocity (1.53 ± 0.06 m/s vs. 1.31 ± 0.08 m/s) and a larger mean pressure difference in the phase from the start of the up-kick until the toe moved forward relative to the body (3.88 ± 0.65 kPa vs. 2.66 ± 1.19 kPa). The faster group showed higher toe vertical velocity and toe direction of movement, switching from lateral to medial at the time of generating the larger foot pressure difference in the up-kick, providing insight into the reasons behind the foot kinematics of high UUS performance swimmers.
Why the Study is Relevant
The study aims to investigate the difference in foot kinematics and foot pressure between the faster and slower groups of swimmers in UUS.
The design has a small sample size (n = 16); however, the research question and method are valuable in addressing a topic that is often underestimated in water sports, namely, the role of foot kinematics and foot pressure distribution in overall swimming performance.
The data acquisition process is also well-designed and thoroughly described.
Summary
UUS is a whole-body undulation propulsion technique in which the swimmer assumes a streamlined posture with arms extended and held together above the head during the transition phase.
Improving swimming velocity in the UUS leads to high race performance, which requires an increased propulsive force and a reduced drag force.
As the foot segment that contributes the most to propulsive force exertion during underwater swimming, it is crucial to estimate the hydrodynamic forces generated by the swimmer.
The authors of this study aimed to investigate the differences in foot kinematics and foot pressure between faster and slower groups of swimmers in UUS.
Key Takeaways
Faster swimmers generate a larger pressure difference in the up-kick phase, indicating higher foot upward velocity and outward-to-inward motion switching as factors.
Pressure difference helps explain the relationship between swimming performance and foot kinematics.
Background: Measuring plantar pressure distribution is critical for understanding foot-ground interactions, providing valuable insights for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. Since its initial studies in 1984, this field has garnered increasing attention within healthcare and medicine due to its broad applications across clinical settings.
Research Question: How does measuring plantar pressure distribution affect healthcare outcomes across different age groups and health conditions?
Methods: This review thoroughly examines the literature on plantar pressure distribution, with a focus on studies conducted since 1984. It investigates the methodologies and clinical applications associated with plantar pressure measurement, tracing the evolution of research and practice in this field.
Results: The review identifies and classifies key methods used to measure plantar pressure distribution, emphasizing their application in clinical and research contexts. It highlights the considerable influence these measurements have on the diagnosis and management of various health conditions across all age groups, demonstrating the practical benefits of plantar pressure analysis in improving diagnostic accuracy and informing more tailored treatment plans.
Significance: Understanding plantar pressure distribution is crucial for advancing healthcare practices, particularly in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the clinical relevance of plantar pressure measurement, demonstrating its value in enhancing patient outcomes and contributing to broader medical research. The findings aim to assist healthcare professionals, researchers, and clinicians in effectively leveraging plantar pressure data to optimize healthcare delivery and patient care.
Why the Study is Relevant
The review aims to bridge the existing gap in the available literature related to different applications of plantar pressure data by reviewing the use of foot pressure distribution data from sensors for medical and health-related purposes.
The field of plantar pressure measurement encompasses a variety of imaging and signal methods. While this complexity is enriching, it poses challenges for the review process. This review aimed to be comprehensive, covering a range of applications, age groups, and health conditions. Still, the diversity of available methods may have inadvertently led to the omission of specific studies.
Summary
The feet provide primary support during activities such as walking, maintaining neuromuscular balance, and requiring constant adaptation to varying environments, as well as the ability to withstand significant forces. Understanding foot function is essential. The study of plantar pressure distribution has become an important area in biomedical and health-related research, highlighting the complex interactions between the plantar surface and the ground.
The authors of this review aimed to bridge the existing gap in the available literature regarding various applications of plantar pressure data.
Key Takeaways
While plantar pressure data has been used for many years, there has been a noticeable surge in interest from the scientific community recently.
Plantar pressure data holds great promise for health monitoring.
Plantar pressure mapping applications extend across diverse areas, including remote health management, foot-related diseases, and non-disease contexts such as athletic performance and the management of chronic conditions like diabetes.