Background: The aim of the study is to assess the body balance and podological parameters and body composition of young footballers in the context of the control of football training. Methods: The study examined the distribution of the pressure of the part of the foot on the ground, the arch of the foot, and the analysis of the body composition of the boys. The pressure center for both feet and the whole body was also examined. The study involved 90 youth footballers from Olsztyn and Barczewo in three age groups: 8–10 years, 11–13 years old, and 14–16 years. The study used the Inbody 270 body composition analyzer and the EPSR1, a mat that measures the pressure distribution of the feet on the ground. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in almost every case for each area of the foot between the groups of the examined boys. The most significant differences were observed for the metatarsal area and the left heel. In the case of stabilization of the whole body, statistically significant differences were noted between all study groups. In the case of the body composition parameters, in the examined boys, a coherent direction of changes was noticed for most of them. The relationships and correlations between the examined parameters were also investigated. The significance level in the study was set at p < 0.05. Conclusions: Under the training rigor, a statistically significant increase in stability was observed with age. The total length of the longitudinal arch of both feet of the examined boys showed a tendency to flatten in direct proportion to the age of the examined boys. Mean values of the body composition parameters reflect changes with the ontogenetic development, basic somatic parameters (body height and weight) and training experience, and thus with the intensity and volume of training. This indicates a correct training process that does not interfere with the proper development of the body in terms of tissue and biochemical composition.

Background: Dental malocclusion is an increasingly frequent stomatognathic disorder in children and adolescents nowadays. The purpose of this study was to confirm or deny the correlations between body posture and malocclusion. Methods: In the study, gait, distribution of foot pressure on the ground, and body balance were examined. The research group consisted of 76 patients aged 12–15 years. The research group was obtained from patients attending periodic dental check-ups at Healthcare Center Your Health EL who agreed to participate in the study. The patients were divided into two groups without malocclusion and with malocclusion, using Angle classification, which enabled determination of the anteroposterior relationship of the first molars. The pedobarographic mat was used to analyze the distribution of foot forces on the ground, the diagnostic system Wiva^® Science was used for gait analysis, and Kineod 3D was used for posture analysis. The Shapiro–Wilk test used for analysis showed inconsistency with normal distribution for all measurement parameters. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for the analysis, and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Examination of the relationship between stabilometric and gait parameters showed that the position of the mandible in relation to maxilla has an important effect on gait rhythm, gait cycle duration, and right step duration time. Patients diagnosed with malocclusion showed high-speed walking rhythm in comparison to patients with Angle’s class I (p = 0.010). The duration of the whole gait cycle (p = 0.007) and the duration of right step (p = 0.027) were prolonged in students without orthodontic disorders compared to the other. Conclusions: The conducted study proved that there is correlation between the presence of a stomatognathic disorder and gait cycle parameters. There is a statistically noticeable correspondence between the position of the mandible in relation to maxilla and walking rhythm, gait cycle duration, and right step duration time. Namely, students who presented malocclusion had a high-speed walking rhythm and decreased duration of the gait cycle and of the right step. On the other hand, students without disorders (Angle’s class I) showed low-speed rhythm and increased duration of the gait cycle and of the right step in comparison to Angle’s classes II and III.

This study aimed to examine potential changes in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of volleyball players aged 17.98 ± 0.51 years after participation in a week-long sports camp. Potential changes in anthropometric characteristics were determined by bioelectrical impedance, and the players’ motor characteristics were assessed in a reaction time test, grip strength test, 5 × 20 s interval test on a rowing ergometer, and vertical, approach and standing long jump tests. A decrease was observed in body fat mass (difference (Δ) of 1.0 kg, p = 0.015), percent body fat (Δ of 1.16%, p = 0.008), and the waist-to-hip ratio (Δ of 0.02, p = 0.001). An increase was noted in total body water (Δ of 1.0 L, p = 0.002), proteins (Δ of 0.33 kg, p = 0.001), minerals (Δ of 0.12 kg, p = 0.003), fat-free mass (Δ of 1.46 kg, p = 0.001), and skeletal muscle mass (Δ of 0.9 kg, p = 0.001). In the group of motor abilities, a significant increase was observed only in the grip strength of the left hand. In conclusion, week-long sport camps can significantly affect the body composition characteristics of young volleyball players, but they do not induce significant changes in motor abilities.

Background and Study Aim: The article presents the results of analyses of students’ foot pressure distribution on the ground, as well as their body balance before and after exercise (Harvard Step Test). The aim of the paper was to carry out a comparative analysis of foot pressure distribution on the ground, as well as assess the degree of body balance before and after exercise. With that purpose in view, the following research hypothesis was formulated: in the students participating in the study, the distribution of foot pressure on the ground and the degree of body balance differ significantly after physical effort compared with the at-rest conditions. Material and Methods: The study encompassed n=48 students, including 37 women and 11 men. The tests were carried out using such tools as: an EPS/R1 podobarographic mat and the impedance methods – i.e. the InBody 270 body composition analyser. An analysis was performed for the parameters concerning body composition, the distribution of foot pressure on the ground, and the level of body balance. Results: The results obtained revealed statistically significant differences in the physiological parameters of foot arching and the functional efficiency of the body balance system under different measurement conditions that reflected the impact of effort stimuli. Conclusions: Significant differences reflecting the impact of the effort stimuli were expected to be achieved during the mathematical analysis of the results of podobarographic tests that allow for the assessment of the physiological parameters of foot arching and the functional efficiency of the body balance system under different measurement conditions. The authors’ assumption was mathematically and statistically confirmed by significant differences foe most of the parameters arising out of the possibilities offered by the research method applied. Comparative assessment unquestionably revealed a negative change in foot arching, as well as lower body posture stability in the female and male subjects, resulting from the physical exercise applied.

Background: The issues raised in this study were inspired by the concern for the musculoskeletal status of school children. Carrying excess weight in the form of a school bag in this period of life affects the correct body posture of school children. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of school bags on the feet force distribution on the ground and postural balance in children of both sexes between 11 and 15 years of age. Methods: The study investigated the distribution of pressure forces on the sole of the foot and its arch. The center of pressure for both feet and the whole body was also examined. The participants were 100 students from primary schools in Gdańsk, aged 11 to 15, including 54 girls and 46 boys. The research used a podobarographic platform that measures the distribution of foot pressure to the ground. The examinations included two measurements: in the first, the children stood on the platform in a natural position. Then, a 5 kg backpack was put on and they stood on the platform again. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of the foot pressure on the ground in the left metatarsus (p = 0.000) and heel (p = 0.000) after putting on the backpack in both girls and boys. However, in the right foot, these differences concerned the metatarsal area (p = 0.001). The results of the balance tests were only statistically significant in the group of girls in the right foot sway area (p = 0.020). Conclusions: The school backpack load led to an increase in the values of the heel and metatarsal area measured in the students, causing its flattening.

Introduction: Gait plays a crucial role in both daily life and sports performance. This study analyzes professional boxers’ gait, as it is essential to understand its influence on performance and injury risk. However, there is a need to comprehend the effects of boxing training on gait and the occurrence of asymmetries between limbs. Research Question: Does the gait of professional boxers exhibit significant differences between limbs, and what are the potential implications of this asymmetry? Materials and Methods: The study involved 36 professional boxers, and the Gaitway 3D Pressure treadmill was used to collect data. The analysis was performed using statistical tests with a pre-determined level of significance. Results: Significant differences were found between limbs in gait phase parameters and ground reaction forces. A longer swing phase of the right leg was observed, potentially affecting the reduction of single-limb support and right-leg propulsion. Additionally, higher ground reaction forces were noted on the left side. Conclusions: This analysis of gait in professional boxers provides valuable insights into the asymmetry between limbs, which may impact performance and injury risk. It also shows the correct characteristics of selected gait parameters. These findings are relevant for tailoring training programs, reducing injuries, and enhancing overall physical conditioning of athletes. Further-more, they can be applied in both sports and daily life for injury prevention and rehabilitation, where maintaining balance and stability are crucial in avoiding injuries and improving the quality of life.