International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST)

Effect of Foot Core Strengthening on Landing Biomechanics and Lower Limb Proprioceptive Function in Elite Female Basketball Players – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The intrinsic and extrinsic foot core musculature contributes to arch stiffness, shock attenuation, force transmission, and sensorimotor control during high-demand tasks such as jump-landing in basketball. Impaired foot core function may increase landing impact and reduce proprioceptive acuity, potentially elevating lower-limb injury risk. Objective: To determine the effect of a 12-week structured foot core strengthening program on landing biomechanics and lower-limb proprioceptive function in elite female basketball players. Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 60 elite female basketball players were allocated to an experimental group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). The experimental group completed a progressive, structured foot core strengthening program for 12 weeks in addition to routine training, while the control group continued routine training alone. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention: (1) landing biomechanics using peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) during a landing task, and (2) lower-limb proprioceptive function using knee joint position sense (JPS). Between-group changes were analyzed with significance set at p<0.05. Result: Post-intervention, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the control group in peak vGRF and knee JPS (both p<0.001), indicating reduced landing impact and enhanced proprioceptive accuracy following foot core strengthening. Conclusion: A 12-week foot core strengthening program significantly improves landing biomechanics and lower-limb proprioceptive function in elite female basketball players. Incorporating foot core training into regular conditioning may be a practical strategy to enhance landing control and potentially support injury-risk reduction in jump-landing sports. Keywords: Foot core strengthening, Intrinsic foot muscles, Vertical ground reaction force, Knee joint position sense, Neuromuscular control, Jump-landing.