Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research

Comparative analysis of plantar pressure distribution among football players across playing positions: A cross-sectional study

Arif Pristianto (Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Anindya Maghfira Zain (Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Farid Rahman (Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Pungki Indarto (Department of Sport Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Anugrah Nur Warthadi (Department of Sport Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Football players exhibit different muscle activation patterns during different playing activities, which can affect plantar pressure on the feet. Uneven, unbalanced plantar pressure distribution can cause muscle tension, leading to musculoskeletal injuries in the feet. Objectives: This study aims to determine and compare plantar pressure distribution among football players based on playing position. Methods: This study is an analytical observational study using a cross-sectional approach. The sample in this study consisted of 24 football players aged 15-18 years who met the inclusion criteria. Plantar pressure was measured using a Zebris Force Distribution Measurement (FDM) platform on the forefoot and rearfoot areas. Statistical analysis included normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk) and multivariate tests (ANOVA) according to data distribution. Results: Differences in plantar pressure were observed between defenders, forwards, and strikers in static conditions (p < 0.05), but not in dynamic conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows differences in plantar pressure distribution among football players in defender, forward, and striker positions under static conditions. However, under dynamic conditions, no significant differences were found among playing positions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pes

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research is an international peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research papers and reviews the fields of physical education, physical rehabilitation, and sports training. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research published two ...