Effect of Athletic Status on Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) in Individuals Under ۲۰ Years of Age

Introduction The medial longitudinal arch (MLA) plays a role in foot function and injury prevention, particularly during growth. Its shape could be age- and chronic athletic loading-dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of participation in sports on MLA development in participants under the age of ۲۰ years. Methods A cross-sectional study on ۴۹۴ subjects (۲۵۶ boys and ۲۳۸ girls) aged below ۲۰ years was undertaken. Subjects were divided into four age groups and further divided into athletes and non-athletes. Foot morphology was quantified using a ۳D foot scanner, and the Arch Index was calculated. Independent T-tests were run to ascertain the effect of athletic status on the Arch Index for each age group. Results Athletes exhibited lower Arch Index values than non-athletes in some subgroups, most significantly in boys aged ۱۲–۱۵ and girls aged ۱۶–۱۹. These differences were statistically significant in some cases (p < ۰.۰۵), and in others, borderline (e.g., p = ۰.۰۵ and p = ۰.۰۸). The effect size was small, and asymmetries between the right and left foot existed—greater in the left foot of boys and the right foot of girls. Conclusion The findings suggest the possible association of sport participation with higher MLA height during developmental years. However, due to small effect sizes and borderline statistical significance in some groups, the results need to be interpreted carefully. More prospective research is needed to establish the type, intensity, and duration of sport playing roles in MLA development.

کلیدواژه ها:

Words ، Athletic Status ، Gender ، The Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) ، Age ، Words ، Athletic Status ، Gender ، The Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) ، Age