Gender-Specific Relationships Between Ankle Mobility, Foot Strength, and Trunk Control in Futsal Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the relationships between ankle dorsiflexion, first toe strength, and core stability in male and female futsal players.

Methods: Fourteen male professional players from the Spanish first division and 22 female players from the second division were evaluated. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using the LegMotion® system. Core stability was assessed via the OCTOcore app during single-leg deadlift (SLD) and bird-dog (BD) exercises. Toe flexor strength (TFS) was measured with a handheld dynamometer, and plantar flexor endurance was evaluated using the heel-raise test (HR). Statistical correlations were analyzed to explore neuromuscular relationships.

Results: In males, a moderate positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between ankle dorsiflexion and TFS, suggesting enhanced ankle mobility may increase toe strength. A negative correlation between TFS and SLD performance indicated stronger toe flexors correlated with better core stability. In females, a negative correlation between ankle dorsiflexion and BD performance implied greater ankle mobility improved core stability. Conversely, a positive correlation between TFS and SLD performance suggested stronger toe flexors were linked to poorer core stability.

Conclusions: Ankle mobility and toe strength enhance core stability in males, while females employ distinct neuromuscular strategies, highlighting the need for gender-specific training programs.