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Stress fractures in the fifth metatarsal bone frequently affect athletes across various sports, and the healing process often entails complications such as delayed or non-union of the metatarsal bone. Standards of care have included the use of a rigid carbon graphite footplate inside the sporting shoe, along with custom orthotics and foot braces.

The group of U.S. American researchers Queen et al. have tested the effects of a rigid carbon graphite footplate on the plantar loading during take-off and landing from a jump. Their study was based on the hypothesis that such a footplate is able to decrease plantar loading beneath the lateral aspect of the foot. By means of a novel pedar^® in-shoe pressure measurement system, the researchers assessed 19 recreational male athletes who completed seven jumping tasks wearing two different kinds of sporting shoes with and without a rigid carbon graphite footplate.

This study did not confirm the initial hypothesis. It showed that a rigid carbon graphite footplate does not reduce plantar loading during jumping. The researchers therefore underline “the need to explore other treatment modalities for 5th metatarsal stress fractures that could improve fracture healing, reduce the occurrence of re-injury, and accelerate return to play for athletes.” (p. 710)

Queen, R.M..; Verma, R.;  Abbey, A.N.; Nunley, J.A.; and R. J. Butler (2014):
Plantar loading during jumping while wearing a rigid carbon graphite footplate.
Gait & Posture 39: 707–711