The aim of this study was to evaluate center of pressure (CoP) changes in unilateral sports and examine how these changes affect the athlete’s feet, ankles, knees or posture. The study sample consisted of 40 professional male players (age: 19.4 ± 2.08 years; height: 165.78 ± 4.92 cm; weight: 59.04 ± 4.02 kg; BMI: 21.57 ± 2.22; foot size: 40.9 ± 1.6), divided by type of sport into group H—handball (n: 20) and group F—football (n: 20). To evaluate the monitored parameters, we used the instrumental diagnostic techniques: 3D laser footscan, baropodometric platform FreeStep and 2D Videography. We found no significant differences between the groups in the loading of the right and left foot (F: 8.3 ± 4.22; H: 7.7 ± 6.1) (p = 0.410). We found a significant difference in the load on the front and back of the left (p = 0.0079) and right foot (p = 0.0210) depending on the type of sport performed. Maximum and mean values of CoP (g/cm²) showed statistically significant differences depending on the sport performed (p < 0.0001). The shift in CoP (mm) from the norm depending on the sport performed was confirmed in the latero-lateral direction (p = 0.003), but not in the antero-posterior direction (p = 0.320). We found a difference in the angulation of the knees and heels depending on the sport played. Handball players showed higher knee varosity/valgosity (p = 0.015) and heel values than football players (p = 0.002). The handball players also confirmed a worse postural load and initial forward posture. The one-sided sports, handball and football, showed negative effects on the athlete’s movement system. These changes were more pronounced in handball players. Proper training programs should be applied in athletes’ daily routine to improve the negative effects of unilateral sports.

Regular sports activity induces kinesiological adaptations and alters musculoskeletal configuration, influencing postural control and balance. These adaptations vary by sport type and may differentiate athletes from non-athletes. This study analysed the effect of regular physical activity, including high-performance sport participation, on postural stability and examined whether this influence is reflected in static sway parameters. The study included 88 men divided into an athlete group (S: n = 46) and a non-athlete control group (NS: n = 42). A comparative design was used to assess differences between groups. Postural diagnostics were carried out with the Feemed Maxi baropodometric platform, enabling precise evaluation of plantar pressure distribution and standing stability. Athletes demonstrated greater asymmetry in foot-loading distribution globally and within partial plantar segments. Mean asymmetry values were higher in athletes (total foot: +3.131; forefoot: −2.414; rearfoot: +2.413) than in non-athletes (total foot: −2.472; forefoot: +0.983; rearfoot: −1.317). The primary statistically significant finding was a greater anteroposterior centre-of-pressure displacement in athletes, indicating increased sagittal-plane postural load (p < 0.001), whereas mediolateral displacement remained minimal and non-significant (NS: −0.012; S: −0.011; p = 0.891). Overall normalised CoP position was slightly higher in non-athletes (10.245%) than in athletes (10.103%). Long-term sports loading influences plantar pressure distribution and postural mechanics through subtle, often subclinical adaptations shaped by training level, sport specialisation, and individual biomechanical characteristics.

The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of DNS and conventional core training on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) across selected postural positions. A total of 20 healthy university students were assigned to two intervention groups in a parallel-group design. Group E1 underwent DNS training (mean age = 19.95 ± 0.79 years), while Group E2 performed conventional core training (mean age = 21.77 ± 1.77 years). IAP was measured using the Ohmbelt device in two postural tasks, sitting and forward lean, representing increased postural demand. The intervention lasted 4 weeks, with sessions held three times per week. In Group E1, diaphragmatic test values increased from 59.5 g (SD ± 22.6) to 69 g (SD ± 25), while in Group E2, values rose from 66.3 g (SD ± 23.59) to 75.1 g (SD ± 20.64). Forward-lean test values in the DNS group increased from 113.9 g (SD ± 39.5) to 134.9 g, and in the CORE group from 110.2 g to 141.2 g. The overall increase in IAP was 18% in the DNS group and 28% in the CORE group. IAP assessment proves to be a relevant diagnostic and monitoring tool for postural and musculoskeletal function. Both DNS and conventional core training resulted in improvements in IAP, with conventional core training showing a greater relative increase. Beyond their biomechanical relevance, these findings highlight the educational value of understanding different stabilization concepts, enabling students of sport sciences and physiotherapy to critically evaluate, select, and apply trunk stabilization strategies in performance enhancement, rehabilitation, and preventive care.a