Abstract
Purpose: Increased physical load on the body of American football players, especially in the lower limbs, may be associated with increased risk of foot deformities and injuries, potentially influencing players’ overall fitness and performance. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between American football training, training duration and anthropometric features, and foot posture in Polish players.
Methods: 70 athletes training American football in Poland and 35 non-training. The study used a questionnaire and the Foot Posture Index – 6 to assess foot shape. An analysis of the relationship between age, Body Mass Index and training experience with foot posture was conducted.
Results: The average BMI value between the studied groups of athletes and non-training was significantly different ( p < 0.01). The athletes and non-training participants showed good foot posture according to the total Foot Posture Index – 6, but a statistically significant difference between the groups was found in all partial values of the Foot Posture Index measurements 1–6, except for Foot Posture Index 2, left foot. In the group of athletes, no statistically significant relationship was found between anthropometric parameters and Body Mass Index and Foot Posture Index – 6. In the non-training participants, a significant relationship ( p < 0.02) was found between the shape of the left foot and BMI.
Conclusions: Monitoring foot posture and BMI in athletes practicing American football may be beneficial. Based on the observed tendency toward foot pronation, football players may benefit from individually selected footwear, including anti-pronation options when indicated.