ABSTRACT

　High incidence rate of sports-related injuries is recognized in adolescents. Although flexible flatfoot is a common foot condition in adolescent populations, the association between foot morphology and musculoskeletal function remain unclear in adolescents. Rearfoot angle in the double-limb standing position, isometric muscle strength of the knee and ankle, and morphology of the intrinsic foot muscles were measured in 39 adolescent athletes （19 boys and 20 girls） with a mean age of 13.7 years. Gait assessment during comfortable walking was investigated using plantar pressure measuring system and wearable inertial sensor. The participants were divided according to their rearfoot angle into control （less than 7ﾟ） and valgus （greater than or equal to 7ﾟ） groups. An excessive valgus rearfoot angle was detected in 33 feet （48.5%）. Although no statistical differences were observed in muscle strength of the knee, and morphology of the intrinsic foot muscles between the control and valgus groups, the valgus group demonstrated greater muscle strength in ankle dorsiflexion, higher dorsiflexion angle at heel contact. In the valgus group, the foot plantar pressure was significantly larger in hallux area, and smaller in metatarsal area and heel area. Our findings suggest that excessive rearfoot valgus affects the plantar pressure distribution and gait patterns in adolescent athletes.

DECENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.42/The DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE