Han Hsueh-Ping, Chow Tong-Hsien, Chang Chien-Chun, Lee Yu-Ling
Department of Sports Science, R.O.C. Military Academy, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Med Sci Monit. 2025 Apr 29;31:e947828. doi: 10.12659/MSM.947828.
BACKGROUND Given the limited research on plantar load distribution (PLD) and foot posture in squash players in recent years, this study aimed to investigate the foot characteristics of elite squash players undergoing extensive training and competition. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study compared PLD, foot arch index (FAI), center of gravity, and rearfoot posture between 26 elite Taiwanese squash players and 33 age-matched college students, using the JC Mat optical plantar pressure analyzer (View Grand International Co, Ltd, Taiwan) and calcaneal angle measurements. RESULTS There were no significant differences in FAI between groups. Squash players exhibited symmetrical increases in PLD across the medial metatarsals (left: 23.68%±7.74%, P=0.005; right: 21.64%±7.73%, P=0.040) and lateral longitudinal arches (left: 20.49%±9.11%, P=0.000; right: 23.20%±7.33%, P=0.047), with relative reductions at the lateral metatarsals and heels. The center of gravity of their feet was symmetrical. Although the rearfoot angles were neutral (left: 2.63°±3.42°, P=0.000; right: 2.57°±3.46°, P=0.000), valgus angles of both feet were significantly greater than that of the controls. CONCLUSIONS Elite squash players in this study presented normal and symmetrical foot posture, with increased PLD across forefoot and midfoot, and exhibited well-balanced abilities. These findings highlight distinct foot patterns in squash compared with other racquet sports, providing a foundation for further research on shared biomechanical impacts and guidance for the development of squash-specific footwear designed to optimize load distribution and reduce injury risks.
背景 鉴于近年来对壁球运动员足底负荷分布（PLD）和足部姿势的研究有限，本研究旨在调查接受大量训练和比赛的精英壁球运动员的足部特征。
材料与方法 一项横断面研究比较了26名台湾精英壁球运动员和33名年龄匹配的大学生之间的PLD、足弓指数（FAI）、重心和后足姿势，使用JC Mat光学足底压力分析仪（台湾View Grand International Co, Ltd）和跟骨角度测量。
结果 两组之间的FAI无显著差异。壁球运动员在内侧跖骨（左侧：23.68%±7.74%，P=0.005；右侧：21.64%±7.73%，P=0.040）和外侧纵弓（左侧：20.49%±9.11%，P=0.000；右侧：23.20%±7.33%，P=0.047）的PLD呈对称性增加，而在外侧跖骨和足跟处相对降低。他们的足部重心是对称的。虽然后足角度为中性（左侧：2.63°±3.42°，P=0.000；右侧：2.57°±3.46°，P=0.000），但双脚的外翻角度均显著大于对照组。
结论 本研究中的精英壁球运动员呈现出正常且对称的足部姿势，前足和中足的PLD增加，并且表现出良好的平衡能力。这些发现突出了壁球与其他球拍类运动不同的足部模式，为进一步研究共同的生物力学影响以及开发旨在优化负荷分布和降低受伤风险的壁球专用鞋提供了基础。
