Influence of gender, limb dominance, training experience, and loading conditions on arch characteristics in badminton players

Foot arch structure is critical in athletic performance, load absorption, and injury prevention, particularly in high-intensity sports such as badminton. However, little is known about how gender, limb dominance, and training experience influence foot arch function under different loading conditions. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of gender, limb dominance, training experience, and varying loads on Arch Height Index (AHI), Arch Stiffness Index (ASI), and Arch Height Flexibility (AHF) in university-level badminton players. A total of 50 players (35 males, 15 females) were assessed using the AHI Measurement System under five loading conditions (10% body weight seated, 20 kg, 40 kg, 50% body weight standing, 90% body weight single-leg stance). Arch height, arch stiffness, and arch height flexibility were calculated to evaluate static and dynamic arch characteristics. Results indicated significant reductions in arch height, arch stiffness, and arch height flexibility with increasing load. Female players exhibited significantly lower arch height than males across all loads, and training experience was associated with increased arch height and arch stiffness, especially in females. No consistent differences were observed based on limb dominance. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender and training experience in functional foot assessments and the design of sport-specific footwear. Further research is warranted to examine long-term adaptations of the foot arch in response to athletic training and its implications for performance and injury prevention.