Original Research Shank–Forefoot Alignment Correlates Positively with Hip Kinematics During the Single Leg Squat in Professional Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Optimal lower limb biomechanics are crucial for movement efficiency and injury prevention in football players. The single-leg squat serves as a valuable assessment tool for neuromuscular control, providing insight into movement patterns and potential imbalances. Deficits in hip strength, ankle mobility, and foot alignment can significantly influence biomechanics, leading to compensatory movements and increased joint stress. Identifying and addressing these factors through targeted training can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. This study aimed to examine the relationship between hip and ankle/foot mobility, strength, and alignment with hip kinematics during the single-leg squat in football players. A cross-sectional study assessed 25 professional football players. Measurements included isometric strength of the hip abductors and external rotators, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and shank–forefoot alignment. Hip kinematics during the single-leg squat were analyzed using Inertial Measurement Units, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied (p < 0.05). Shank–forefoot alignment showed moderate to strong correlations with contralateral pelvic drop (r = 0.44; p = 0.035), hip adduction (r = 0.42; p = 0.036), and hip internal rotation (r = 0.51; p = 0.009) during the single-leg squat. These findings highlight the importance of foot alignment in movement control, reinforcing its relevance for injury prevention strategies in football players.