Physical characteristics inducing Sever's disease in junior gymnasts

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine characteristics contributing to the development of Sever's disease in junior gymnasts. This study included 74 limbs from 37 junior gymnasts. The Baseline demographic data, flexibility measurements, foot alignments, trunk function tests, and functional balancing tests were used for evaluation. The incidence of Sever's disease among this cohort was assessed for six months after the first evaluations. We categorized those diagnosed by medical specialists as having Sever's disease into a Sever's disease group, while those with no foot pain or other diagnosed pathologies were in a no-symptom group. The Junior gymnasts with Sever's disease had a lower arch height ratio and lower anterior star excursion balance test values. Sever's disease in junior gymnasts may be potentially prevented through using a medial longitudinal arch support and/or undertaking dynamic postural balance training. •Junior gymnasts with a low arch height ratio could be susceptible to Sever's disease.•Junior gymnasts with a weak postural balancing function could be susceptible to Sever's disease.•In this study, no difference or association was observed in ankle dorsiflexion angle.