Medial Arch-Support Wrestling Shoes and Foot Posture Preservation in Adolescent Wrestlers

Inonu University88 enrolled

Overview

This three-year randomized controlled trial investigated whether wrestling shoes with built-in medial arch support can preserve foot arch structure in adolescent male wrestlers compared to standard wrestling shoes without arch support. A total of 88 adolescent male wrestlers (age 11 at baseline) were randomly assigned to wear either modified wrestling shoes with integrated medial arch support (intervention group, n=44) or standard commercially available wrestling shoes (control group, n=44). Foot posture was assessed annually using the Staheli Arch Index via podoscopy. Plantar pressure distribution was recorded using the Tekscan F-Scan system. The study followed participants for three years. The primary aim was to determine whether medial arch-support wrestling shoes reduce the emergence of flat foot (pes planus) compared with standard wrestling shoes during a critical period of foot development in young athletes.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pes Planus Flatfoot Foot Deformities

Interventions

Medial Arch-Support Wrestling ShoeDEVICE

Modified wrestling shoe incorporating a multi-density rubber outsole, integrated medial longitudinal arch support, reinforced heel stabilization with hidden heel pads, structured midfoot midsole, four-way stretch Scuba fabric upper, and adhesive Velcro tape closure system. Designed to redistribute plantar pressure and preserve medial longitudinal arch structure during wrestling training.

Standard Wrestling ShoeDEVICE

Conventional commercially available wrestling shoe featuring a thin flat rubber outsole, hard insole without arch support, tight lacing system, high collar, and rigid non-flexible plastic base. No medial arch support or plantar load redistribution features.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 11 YearsMax age: 11 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Registered wrestlers at Regional Boarding Schools (YBO) * Training frequency of 3 or more days per week * No lower extremity injury within the preceding 6 months * No current orthopedic insole use * Normal foot posture at baseline Exclusion Criteria: * Prior lower extremity surgery * Neurological disorders * Rheumatological disorders * Severe congenital foot deformity * Current orthopedic insole use * Existing foot deformity at baseline

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Foot Posture Classification (Staheli Arch Index)

Foot posture was classified annually using the Staheli Arch Index (SAI) assessed via podoscopy. Classifications: normal (SAI 0.45-0.89), flexible pes planus (SAI 0.90-1.00), and rigid pes planus (SAI ≥1.01, confirmed by Jack Toe Raise Test). Between-group differences were evaluated using Fisher's exact test with Bonferroni correction.

Time frame: Baseline, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3

Secondary Outcomes

Plantar Pressure Distribution

Dynamic plantar pressure distribution was recorded using the Tekscan F-Scan system (3000E sensors, 100 Hz) during 30-second walking trials on a UWW-approved mat. Pressure maps were evaluated qualitatively for midfoot contact area and center of pressure trajectory.

Time frame: Year 3

Standing Height

Standing height (cm) was measured using a calibrated stadiometer at each assessment point. Between-group differences were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA (group × time).

Time frame: Baseline, Year 1, Year 2

Body Mass

Body mass (kg) was measured using a calibrated scale at each assessment point. Between-group differences were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA (group × time).