Gender-Specific Relationships Between Ankle Mobility, Foot Strength, and Trunk Control in Futsal Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the relationships between ankle dorsiflexion, first toe strength, and core stability in male and female futsal players.

METHODS

Fourteen male professional players from the Spanish first division and 22 female players from the second division were evaluated. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using the LegMotion® system. Core stability was assessed via the OCTOcore app during single-leg deadlift (SLD) and bird-dog (BD) exercises. Toe flexor strength (TFS) was measured with a handheld dynamometer, and plantar flexor endurance was evaluated using the heel-raise test (HR). Statistical correlations were analyzed to explore neuromuscular relationships.

RESULTS

In males, a moderate positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between ankle dorsiflexion and TFS, suggesting enhanced ankle mobility may increase toe strength. A negative correlation between TFS and SLD performance indicated stronger toe flexors correlated with better core stability. In females, a negative correlation between ankle dorsiflexion and BD performance implied greater ankle mobility improved core stability. Conversely, a positive correlation between TFS and SLD performance suggested stronger toe flexors were linked to poorer core stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle mobility and toe strength enhance core stability in males, while females employ distinct neuromuscular strategies, highlighting the need for gender-specific training programs.