Asymmetry in foot pressure distribution patterns during bend sprintingAsymmetry in foot pressure distribution patterns during bend sprinting

In curved track sprinting under high running speeds, such as in the short distance events of athletics, there are left-right differences in the exertion of force. However, the characteristics of the differences in foot pressure distribution related to force production during a curved track sprint have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the asymmetry of foot pressure distribution during bend sprinting. Thirteen male university sprinters performed three maximum-effort 60 m sprints on a curved track with a radius of 37.9 m. Foot pressure was measured using a wireless insole pressure sensor system with 13 sensors per foot. The maximum foot pressure and the pressure of each sensor at the time of maximum foot pressure were calculated. No significant difference was observed between the left and right legs in terms of the maximum foot pressure. However, the pressure ratio at the sensor located near the fifth toe (Ch0) was significantly higher in the right leg than that in the left leg. By contrast, the pressure ratios at the sensors located around the first cuneiform (Ch8 and Ch10) were significantly higher in the left leg than in the right leg. These results suggest that during bend sprinting, mechanical loading is greater around the first toe in the right foot than in the left foot and around the medial midfoot in the left foot than in the right foot. These findings have implications for the performance enhancement and injury prevention of sprinters.