Volkan DENİZ, Ceylan EKERER
Turkish Journal of Kinesiology - 2025;11(6):315-323
Foot posture may be a predisposing factor for sports injuries in volleyball athletes. This study aimed to determine the influence of the biomechanical properties of superficial extrinsic ankle muscles on foot posture in asymptomatic young female volleyball players. A total of 41 asymptomatic female volleyball players with a mean age of 13 years were included. Foot posture was assessed using the Foot Posture Index -6 (FPI -6), and participants were categorized into pronated (PFP), neutral (NFP), and supinated (SFP) foot posture groups based on their FPI- 6 scores. The biomechanical properties of the superficial extrinsic ankle muscles -tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and gastrocnemius (GN) -were evaluated using myotonometry. Statistical analyses included one- way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. Thirteen athletes were classified as PFP, sixteen as NFP, and twelve as SFP. PL stiffness was significantly higher in the PFP group compared to the other groups (F(2, 38) = 4.864; p = 0.013 ; eta² = 0.172). FPI -6 scores were significantly correlated with PL stiffness (r = 0.392 ; p = 0.011) and TA/PL stiffness ratio (r = - 0.302; p = 0.049). Regression analysis identified PL stiffness as the primary determinant of foot posture (B = 0.022 ; Adjusted R² = 0.13 ; p = 0.011). In young female volleyball athletes, PL stiffness plays a primary role in shaping foot posture. Targeting PL stiffness could be considered in exercise interventions aimed at improving foot posture.
