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Title: | Investigation of foot conditions in a national sport school |
Authors: | Spiteri, Mariah (2024) |
Keywords: | National Sport School (Pembroke, Malta) Child athletes -- Malta Sports injuries in children -- Malta Sports medicine -- Malta |
Issue Date: | 2024 |
Citation: | Spiteri, M. (2024). Investigation of foot conditions in a national sport school (Bachelor’s dissertation). |
Abstract: | Background: The burgeoning interest in the musculoskeletal health of young athletes, particularly concerning foot conditions, has led to a focused investigation within the National Sport School in Malta. This study is propelled by the increasing awareness of how early sports specialisation and intensive training may predispose young athletes to a range of foot conditions, potentially impacting their performance and overall well-being. Despite the acknowledged risks, there exists a notable gap in the local literature regarding the incidence and factors associated with these conditions in young athletic populations. Aim: This research aims to investigate the foot conditions present in a National Sport School and investigate the correlating parameters, such as age, sex, BMI and type of sport. Research Design and Method: Adopting a cross-sectional design, this study recruited 50 athletes (100 feet analysed) ranging from the ages of 11 to 16 years old from Malta's National Sport School. The Foot Posture Index (FPI), goniometer and Manchester scale were used to assess for foot conditions. Demographic data such as age, sex, BMI and type of sport were also recorded. Results: The study has established that the most prevalent foot conditions among athletes at Malta’s National Sport School are a pronated foot type and Hallux Abducto Valgus, found in 52% and 38% of participants, respectively. Furthermore, it revealed that 68% of males exhibited a pronated foot posture (FPI score > 6) compared to 36% of females, indicating a notable sex-related variation in foot posture (P=0.024). Additionally, Hallux Valgus was significantly more common in females (P<0.001), especially those engaged in sports such as gymnastics, triathlon and basketball (P<0.001). Conclusion: These insights are critical, suggesting the necessity for foot assessments and potential interventions among young athletes. The findings advocate for the integration of routine foot health screenings, emphasising early detection and management of foot conditions to mitigate their impact on young athletes' performance, development and quality of life. |
Description: | B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128505 |
Appears in Collections: | Dissertations - FacHSc - 2024 Dissertations - FacHScPod - 2024 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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2408HSCPOD420005072623_1.PDF Restricted Access | 2.53 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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