Pressure Changes at the Fifth Metatarsal Regions during Running with Different Foot Strike Patterns
10.5763/kjsm.2026.44.1.49
- Author:
Ji Hwan PARK
;
Jin Su KIM
;
Jae Keun OH
;
Jin Ho YOON
- Publication Type:Clinical Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine
2026;44(1):49-59
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to analyze changes in plantar pressure distribution at the fifth metatarsal (M5) during running with different foot strike patterns.
Methods:Thirty-five healthy adults ran barefoot over a foot scan pressure plate installed in a 10-m shuttle walkway.Each participant completed 10 trials per strike pattern and mean peak pressures at M1–M5 heads and M5 base of the dominant foot was analyzed.
Results:The mean peak pressures at M2– M5 heads increased progressively from heel to midfoot to forefoot strike (p＜ 0.05). Significant differences among strike patterns were found at M2–M5 heads (p＜ 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed that forefoot strike produced significantly higher pressures at M2–M5 heads than heel and midfoot strikes (p＜ 0.001). At M5, peak pressure at the head increased from heel (14.54±7.82) to midfoot (15.54±7.75) to forefoot strike (19.37±7.37), whereas peak pressure at the base decreased from heel (6.27±1.69) and midfoot strikes (5.85±1.94) to forefoot strike (4.35±1.79). At M5, both the head and base demonstrated significant differences according to strike pattern.
Conclusion:Plantar pressure patterns vary across foot strike types, with forefoot strike producing greater M5 head loading but lower base loading. These findings suggest that forefoot-based low-intensity running may be considered as an early loading option during rehabilitation after Jones fractures, although further clinical studies are needed to confirm its clinical benefits.
