Effect of Weightlifting Shoes on Bilateral Plantar Pressure Distribution During 50 kg Loaded Full Squats in Internationally Competing Weightlifters

Abstract

The aim of this study is to systematically examine the plantar pressure distribution under constant load in weightlifters wearing weightlifting shoes and to identify possible asymmetries between the right and left feet. The study's research group consisted of 17 male weightlifters who participated in international competitions. Foot pressure measurements were performed using a Sensor Medica (Italy) baropodometric measuring device. A total of 25 pairs of variables (right-left foot) related to peak plantar pressure, mean pressure, contact area, center of pressure, and regional load distribution were analyzed during squat exercises performed by participants with a constant load of 50 kg. The findings showed a statistically significant difference between the right and left foot in 5 out of 25 pairs of variables (p < .05). Most of the significant differences were concentrated in pressure and load parameters (medial and lateral mean pressure of the hindfoot, overall maximum and mean pressure, load on the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads), and in these variables, the left foot showed significantly higher values with moderate to large effect sizes (d = 0.72-1.31) compared to the right foot. In contrast, small to moderate differences were found in contact surface variables (total contact surface, toes, 4th-5th metatarsal heads, hindfoot lateral contact percentage) in favor of the right foot (d = -0.55 to -0.97). No significant differences were observed between the two feet in the remaining 32 variables (footprint length, COP indices, Fick angle, forefoot/heel loads, etc.). In conclusion, it was found that the plantar pressure distribution in weightlifters is largely symmetrical, but a significant pressure/load dominance in favor of the left foot, particularly in the rear foot region, and conversely, a tendency for a larger contact surface in the right foot. This pattern is consistent with discussions in the literature regarding the dominant/non-dominant extremity difference and bilateral load symmetry specific to weightlifting. The findings indicate that foot-specific support strategies, rather than identical ones for both feet, should be considered in the design of weightlifting shoes and insoles.

Keywords

• Weightlifting
• Weightlifting Shoes
• Foot Pressure Distribution
• Center of Force (COF)
• Biomechanics

Uluslararası Düzeyde Yarışan Haltercilerde 50 Kg Ağırlıkla Tam Squat Sırasında Halter Ayakkabılarının İki Taraflı Plantar Basınç Dağılımı Üzerindeki Etkisi

Abstract

Bu çalışmanın amacı, halter ayakkabısı giyen haltercilerde, sabit yük altında ayak taban basınç dağılımını sistematik olarak incelemek ve sağ-sol ayak arasındaki olası asimetrileri belirlemektir. Çalışmanın araştırma grubunu uluslararası düzeyde yarışmalara katılan 17 erkek halterci oluşturmaktadır. Ayak tabanı basınç ölçümleri Sensör Medica (İtalya) baropodometrik ölçüm cihazı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcıların, 50 kg sabit yük ile gerçekleştirdiği squat hareketi sırasında tepe plantar basınç, ortalama basınç, temas alanı, basınç merkezi ve bölgesel yük dağılımına ilişkin toplam 25 değişken çifti (sağ-sol ayak) analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular, 25 değişken çiftinden 5 tanesinde sağ ve sol ayak arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark olduğunu göstermiştir (p < .05). Anlamlı farkların büyük kısmı basınç ve yük parametrelerinde (arka ayak medial ve lateral ortalama basınç, genel maksimum ve ortalama basınç, 2-3. metatars başları yükü) yoğunlaşmış ve bu değişkenlerde sol ayakta sağ ayağa göre orta-büyük etki büyüklüğüyle (d = 0.72-1.31) belirgin biçimde daha yüksek değerler saptanmıştır. Buna karşılık, temas yüzeyi değişkenlerinde (toplam temas yüzeyi, parmaklar, 4-5. metatars başları, arka ayak lateral temas yüzdesi) sağ ayak lehine küçük-orta düzeyde farklar bulunmuştur (d = -0.55 ile -0.97 arası). Kalan 32 değişkende (ayak izi uzunluğu, COP indeksleri, Fick açısı, ön ayak/topuk yükleri vb.) iki ayak arasında anlamlı bir fark gözlenmemiştir. Sonuç olarak, haltercilerde ayak taban basınç dağılımının büyük ölçüde simetrik olduğu, ancak özellikle arka ayak bölgesinde sol ayak lehine belirgin bir basınç/yük üstünlüğü, buna karşılık sağ ayakta daha geniş bir temas yüzeyi eğiliminin bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu örüntü, literatürdeki dominant/non-dominant ekstremite farkı ve halter sporuna özgü bilateral yük simetrisi tartışmalarıyla uyumludur. Bulgular, halter ayakkabısı ve tabanlık tasarımında her iki ayak için özdeş değil, ayağa özgü destek stratejilerinin değerlendirilmesi gerektiğine işaret etmektedir.

Keywords

• Halter
• Halter Ayakkabıları
• Ayak Tabanı Basınç Dağılımı
• Kuvvet Merkezi (COF)
• Biyomekanik

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