Mechanism of the effect of plantar pressure on mechanical stress response in basketball sports

This study investigated the mechanisms of metatarsal cellular mechanical stress responses to plantar pressure during basketball activities. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using integrated biomechanical and cellular approaches, involving 120 professional basketball players divided by playing positions. Plantar pressure distribution was measured during specific basketball movements using a high-precision pressure measurement system, while cellular responses were analyzed through morphological, biochemical, and genetic markers. Results demonstrated a non-linear relationship between applied pressure and cellular stress response, with a threshold effect at 300 kPa. Significant position-specific differences were observed in pressure distribution patterns, with centers exhibiting higher peak pressures (698.3 kPa ± 52.4 kPa) compared to forwards (642.5 kPa ± 48.6 kPa) and guards (584.2 kPa ± 42.3 kPa). Cellular adaptation mechanisms showed peak activity between 24–48 hours post-stimulation, characterized by increased aspect ratios and upregulation of mechanosensitive genes. Multiple regression analysis identified peak pressure, loading duration, and recovery time as primary factors influencing cellular responses, accounting for 85% of observed variance. These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between basketball-specific mechanical loading and cellular adaptation mechanisms, offering implications for injury prevention and training program optimization.