Biomechanical Correlation Analysis Using Independent Wireless Systems in Youth Football Players

INTRODUCTION: Youth football is a globally popular sport but carries significant injury risks, particularly for younger ath- letes [1]. Injury prevention relies on monitoring movement patterns during functional tasks, traditionally achieved using lab- based motion capture systems [2]. However, these systems are resource-intensive and unsuitable for on-field use. Wire- less sensor systems, such as the DAid® smart sock, provide portable and real-time solutions for measuring specific bio- mechanical variables [3]. Despite their potential, widespread adoption is hindered by challenges such as calibration, data synchronization, and compatibility between independent sensor systems [4]. Additionally, using multiple sensor systems to measure specific biomechanical variables is often complex and time-consuming [5]. Therefore, it is crucial to explore correlations between different systems to identify a unified and convenient solution that ensures reliable and practical data collection.
METHODS: Thirty-two youth football players (16 males, 16 females, aged 14–15) participated. Participants performed “Single Leg Squat” tests while data was collected using the DAid® smart textile socks (center of pressure (COP)), the NOTCH® inertial sensor system (thigh and lower leg angles), and the PLUX® Wireless Biosignals (muscleBAN kit) (muscle electrical activity). Correlations were calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.
RESULTS: Significant correlations demonstrated the utility of wireless systems. Hip adduction correlated with medial plantar pressure (COP1X: r = 0.785, p < .001), and hip internal rotation with anterior plantar pressure (COPY1: r = 0.585, p < .01). Knee flexion correlated with GM muscle activity (r = 0.66, p < .001). Negative correlations included medial plantar pressure (COP2W) and GMx muscle activity (r = -0.592, p < .001). Gender-specific analysis showed males had stronger associations between hip adduction and COP1X, while females exhibited stronger relationships between knee flexion and plantar pressure parameters.
CONCLUSION: Wireless systems, such as the DAid® smart sock, show great potential for assessing lower limb biome- chanics in youth football players by using one sensor system at the time, providing a portable on-field monitoring solution. Gender-specific differences underscore the need for individualized assessments, supporting injury prevention and per- formance optimization.