| Effects of Plyometric Exercise on Plantar Pressure Patterns in Overweight Boys: A Systematic Review |
| Paper ID : 1492-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Zeinab Naseri *1, Saeed Ilbeigi2, Farzam Farzan3 1Master's Student in Sports Biomechanics Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran 2Associate Professor of Sports Biomechanics, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran 3Associate Professor Department of Sport Management Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Childhood overweight is a growing public health concern that affects both metabolic health and musculoskeletal function. Children with excess body mass frequently exhibit altered gait patterns, higher peak plantar pressures, and reduced postural stability. Since the foot is the primary interface with the ground and plays a critical role in force absorption and distribution, excessive loading can compromise balance and increase the risk of lower-limb injuries. Plyometric exercises, emphasizing rapid stretch-shortening cycles and neuromuscular control, may improve plantar load distribution and enhance postural stability. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus to identify studies examining plantar pressure, pedobarography, plyometric exercises, and overweight children. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also manually screened. After removing duplicates, studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extracted included sample characteristics, type and duration of intervention, and plantar pressure outcomes, which were synthesized descriptively. Plyometric training was found to improve plantar pressure distribution, reducing excessive load in the heel and forefoot. These exercises also enhanced postural stability, dynamic balance, and stance symmetry. The improvements are likely due to enhanced neuromuscular coordination, increased proprioceptive engagement, and more efficient force redistribution during ground contact. Integration of study data indicates that even short-term plyometric interventions can produce measurable benefits in plantar load patterns and functional stability in children with excess bodymass. Plyometric exercises appear to be a practical and effective strategy for optimizing plantar load distribution and improving balance in overweight children. Implementing structured plyometric programs in school or community settings may reduce the risk of lower-limb injuries and enhance functional stability. Future research should investigate long-term effects, dose–response relationships, and whether these adaptations are maintained following cessation of training. These findings support the inclusion of targeted plyometric interventions in pediatric exercise programs to promote musculoskeletal health and reduce injury risk. |
| Keywords |
| Jumping intervention, Biomechanical Phenomena, Plantar Pressure, overweight, Child |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
