A cross-sectional study on foot loading patterns in elite soccer players of different ages.

Background: Alterations in plantar loading patterns are risk factors for stress injuries of the lower limb, particularly of the foot and ankle. Epidemiological studies have revealed a higher incidence of soccer-related stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal (MT V) in younger athletes than in their adult counterparts.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the plantar pressure distributions of members of four high-level soccer teams of different age groups to identify age-related differences in loading patterns.