CORRELATION OF FOOT POSTURE AND ANKLE INJURY INCIDENCE IN INDIAN FENCERS

📄 Abstract

Background: Fencing is an intermittent, high-intensity sport with frequent lower-limb loading and an elevated incidence of ankle injuries. Foot alignment (pronation/supination) may alter load distribution and predispose athletes to ankle pathology. Objective: To examine the relationship between static foot posture, quantified by the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), and ankle injury incidence in Indian competitive fencers. Methodology: Observational study of 40 competitive fencers (age 18–25) recruited from a fencing academy in Pune (purposive sampling). Baseline FPI was measured for left and right feet according to standard procedures; athletes were followed monthly for four months to record ankle injuries. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation between mean FPI and injury incidence. Results: Sample: 16 males, 24 females. Overall mean FPI = 1.36 (SD 2.75), indicating a mild pronation tendency. Categorical distribution (feet): neutral 45% (n=36), pronated 47.5% (n=38), supinated 7.5% (n=6). During follow-up 11 athletes (27.5%) sustained injuries; most injuries occurred in the 18–21 age group. Pearson’s r between mean FPI and ankle injury incidence = 0.36 (t = 2.37, p = 0.023), indicating a moderate positive association. Conclusion: Pronated foot posture was moderately associated with increased ankle injury risk in this cohort. Baseline FPI screening and targeted interventions (proprioception, intrinsic foot/calf strengthening, orthotic consideration) are recommended for injury prevention.

🏷️ Keywords

📚 How to Cite:

Yaashi Anand Mehta, Dr. Aishwarya Kanhere (PT) , CORRELATION OF FOOT POSTURE AND ANKLE INJURY INCIDENCE IN INDIAN FENCERS , Volume 12 , Issue 1, January 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) ,