Effect of Toe Box Space on Metatarsal Stress and Lower Limb Biomechanics: Insights from an Integrated Finite Element Model

doi:10.1007/s42235-026-00874-1

Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (3): 1588-1604.doi: 10.1007/s42235-026-00874-1

Effect of Toe Box Space on Metatarsal Stress and Lower Limb Biomechanics: Insights from an Integrated Finite Element Model

Qincheng Ge1; Huiyu Zhou1,2,3; Datao Xu1; Zanni Zhang1; Xiuye Qu1; Tianxiao Chen1; Ukadike Chris Ugbolue1,4; Yaodong Gu1,5

1 Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University,Ningbo 315211, China
2 Research Academy of Medicine Combining Sports, NingboNo. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China 3 Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for New Technologiesand Applications of Helium-Free Magnetic ResonanceImaging, Ningbo 315010, China
4 School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the Westof Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
5 Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of SportsScience, Budapest 1123, Hungary

Online:2026-06-15 Published:2026-10-26
Contact: Yaodong Gu1,5 E-mail:guyaodong@nbu.edu.cn
About author:Qincheng Ge1; Huiyu Zhou1,2,3; Datao Xu1; Zanni Zhang1; Xiuye Qu1; Tianxiao Chen1; Ukadike Chris Ugbolue1,4; Yaodong Gu1,5

Abstract

Abstract: During stop-jumping landings, variations in toe box space (TBS) may influence lower limb movement strategies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TBS on metatarsal (MT) stress distribution and lower limb biomechanics. Twentyeight basketball players participated, wearing tight-fitting (TF) and loose-fitting (LF) shoes. An integrated foot-ankleshoe-knee finite element model (FEM) was established to obtain MT1-MT5 stress. The peak metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion angle (PMDA) was measured and its relationships with peak MT stress and 13 ankle and knee parameters were analyzed. TF shoes significantly restricted metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) dorsiflexion (P<0.001), and PMDA was correlated with all variables except peak ankle inversion angle (PAIA) (R2= 0.209). MT stress was more concentrated in the central region. These findings suggest that restricted TBS limits MPJ mobility, and lower PMDA is linked to central MT2 stress distribution and compensatory loading at proximal joints, potentially increasing injury risk. This study provides biomechanical insights for basketball shoe selection and injury prevention in high-impact sports.

Key words: Basketball shoes')">Basketball shoes, Stop-jumping landing, Finite element analysis, First metatarsophalangeal joint, Toe box space

Qincheng Ge, Huiyu Zhou, Datao Xu, Zanni Zhang, Xiuye Qu, Tianxiao Chen, Ukadike Chris Ugbolue, Yaodong Gu. Effect of Toe Box Space on Metatarsal Stress and Lower Limb Biomechanics: Insights from an Integrated Finite Element Model[J].Journal of Bionic Engineering, 2026, 23(3): 1588-1604.

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/ / Recommend Basketball shoes; Stop-jumping landing; Finite element analysis; First metatarsophalangeal joint; Toe box space”. Please open it by linking:https://jbe.jlu.edu.cn/EN/abstract/abstract1756.shtml" name="neirong"> Basketball shoes; Stop-jumping landing; Finite element analysis; First metatarsophalangeal joint; Toe box space">

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URL: https://jbe.jlu.edu.cn/EN/10.1007/s42235-026-00874-1

https://jbe.jlu.edu.cn/EN/Y2026/V23/I3/1588

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