Sex-Based Differences in Plantar Pressure Distribution to Inform Soccer Cleat Design
Audrey Saing1, Emily Karolidis1,2, Mike Hahn1,2
1University of Oregon, 2Department of Human Physiology
Introduction Data Collection Discussion
● Soccer demands patterns of quick multiplanar movements, which vary ● Results align with previous soccer-specific literature suggesting FTI 
by individual and playing position [1], [2]. during cuts for both sexes is generally highest in MF, HA, and MH, and 
● Soccer cleat designs favor male data in spite of differences in that FTI during acceleration is generally highest in the MF, CF, HA, and 
anthropometrics, anatomical alignment, movement patterns, and lesser toes [7], [11], [12].
playing behaviors between sexes [3], [4], [5]. ● Results oppose the finding that male FTI in CF is greater than female 
● Male and female plantar pressure distribution differences measured by FTI in cuts [7].
maximum force and force-time integral (FTI) have been demonstrated ● Results support that male FTI in CF is greater than female FTI in cuts 
in crossover cutting, side cutting, and jump-landing [6], [7]. during sprinting [7].
● Force-time integral (FTI), known as impulse, shows how long an area is ● It is unclear why female FTI in the hindfoot is greater than in male FTI. 
being loaded and with what amount of force [6]. It should be investigated if heel striking is a form of adapting to fatigue 
● Bladed firm-ground soccer cleats are associated with higher traction or to the fit of the cleat designed for male bodies.
and higher plantar loading than elliptical turf cleats [6], [8]. Limitation
● Speed impacts FTI, but subject was only instructed to complete the 
task without regard to speed.
Figure 3: Plantar pressure data masked in nine Future Direction for Female Cleats
Question regions: medial hindfoot (MH), lateral hindfoot ● Apply insights to insole and outsole design to modify load distribution.Figure 2: Third stage 400 m route of (LH), medial midfoot (MM), lateral midfoot (LM), 
the fatigue protocol with cuts every 10 ● Simply increasing cushioning in a high stress area (e.g. medial region) medial forefoot (MF), central forefoot (CF), lateral 
How does plantar pressure distribution, measured by force-time integral, yards on artificial turf. forefoot (LF), hallux (HA), and lesser toes (LT). may be inappropriate and lead to ankle inversion.
differ between males and females for cutting and sprinting tasks? ● Adding more studs may interfere with traction.
Methods Results References
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replacing the sock liner of a bladed control cleat (Figure 1). discionmffaornt dtusr)in tgo a  sdocecetre-srpmecifiinc mea wtchh siemtuhlaetiorn .t Ah ceom bpearnisoenf oitf sfo ootbfa tllh boiaotms,” iJn. Sepo prtse Srcsi.,i svotl . i3n9,  no. 9, pp. 1046–1054, May 2021, doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1856461.
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ot.w seaar lotn,  
100 m) with cuts on FieldTurf Vertex CORE (Figure 2) 10.1C1a11m/j.1b6o00d-0i8a3n8.2 f0i1s2h.0 1s4a68u.xc. e, etc.) could be an effective approach to 
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maximum velocity phase that is of interest for performance [10].
Figure 4: Side-cutting mean FTI in each foot region Figure 5: Running mean FTI in each foot region for 
● Independent t-tests were conducted in Microsoft Excel and Jamovi to for each sex with significant differences in MF and CF each sex with significant differences in MH, LH, 
determine if sex had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on FTI in each region. (p < 0.05). MM, MF, and LT (p < 0.05).
Acknowledgements
★ During cutting maneuvers, females had a significantly lower FTI in the medial forefoot (p = 0.029) and 
significantly higher FTI in the central forefoot compared to males (p = 0.006) (Figure 4).
Thank you to Emily Karolidis and Mike Hahn for their mentorship at the 
★ While running straight, females had a significantly lower FTI in the medial forefoot (p = 0.016) and lesser Bowerman Sports Science Center and the Wu Tsai Human Performance 
Figure 1: Bladed control adidas toes (p = 0.002) than males, while females had significantly higher FTI in the medial hindfoot (p = 0.008), Alliance for funding undergraduate research. The printing of this poster was 
Predator Edge.2 FG cleat. lateral hindfoot (p = 0.002), and medial midfoot (p = 0.007) than males (Figure 5). supported by UO Libraries and the Institute of Neuroscience.