Introduction: Many overload lower limb injuries in top athletes have been related with biomechanics alterations in plantar loading. In order to know the plantar pressure distribution in elite soccer players, their relationship with anatomy structures and the specifi c physical requirements for each position in the fi eld, a baropodometric study was performed. Method: Dynamic foot pressure measurements were analyzed in 21 soccer players of Champion`s League. Average age was 27 years, height 180,9 cm, weight 76,9 kg and BMI 23,4. An insoles system (Biofoot®/IBV) with telemetry transmission information was used to record the pattern of plantar loadings. The plantar surface of foot was divided in 3 zones (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot) that, in turn, were divided in 3 subareas (internal, central and external). Dynamical measurements were recorded during normal gait and running. The baropodometric data were related with different parameters like foot morphologic type, digital and metatarsal alignment, size of the footwear, and fi eld position. Results: Players`s feet were found to bear a load average of 7820 kPa by walking and 10867 kPa by running. In both task, the highest pressure zone was the central metatarsian subarea (1700 kPa walking, 1800 kPa running) and the lowest pressure was found in the external metatarsian subarea (500 Kpa walking, 700 kPa running). Higher weight increase total pressure (72.50kg-1000 kPa, 75.00kg- 1250 kPa, 77.50kg-1400kPa). The foot type infl uenced plantar pressures pattern: in the central metatarsian zone, players with fl at foot changed from 1086 kPa of pressure (walking) to1490 kPa (running) (37 % of increase). On the contrary, players with cavus foot changed from 877 kPa to 1804 kPa (105 % of increase). Forwards had highest loading in internal metatarsian subarea (1840 kPa mean). Defenders, and mid-fi elder showed the highest pressures in the middle metatarsian subarea (mean 1570 kPa). Conclusion: This study supports the importance of the baropodometric studies in top athletes in order to improve biomechanics strategy to prevent overload injuries. Simple redistribution of plantar pressures may induce changes in the muscular activity of lower limb and, consequently, in contact, stabilization and propulsion phase.
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