## 4 Discussion  
The main findings of this scoping review highlight the significant role that lacing techniques play in improving foot biomechanics, pressure distribution, and injury prevention. Specifically, tighter lacing configurations or those using more eyelets were associated with a reduction in plantar pressure in vulnerable areas of the foot, such as the metataralss and heel. These results are crucial in reducing the risk of common injuries, particularly in athletes and individuals with pre-existing foot conditions. Additionally, appropriate lacing configurations were shown to decrease Achilles tendon tension, offering a practical method of injury prevention for those prone to tendon injuries. The evidence gathered from studies examining various lacing patterns consistently demonstrates the biomechanical benefits of optimizing lacing techniques. For instance, tighter lacing or configurations using more eyelets have been shown to enhance foot stability and reduce in-shoe displacement, as evidenced by studies in both athletic and everyday activities. The practical application of these findings is clear: healthcare professionals and athletes can tailor lacing techniques to better suit individual biomechanical needs, optimizing comfort and reducing the risk of injury. In terms of injury prevention, this review confirms that certain lacing patterns can redistribute plantar pressure, thereby reducing the load on vulnerable foot regions. This has significant implications for populations at high risk of foot injuries, such as individuals with diabetes or Achilles tendonopathy. The findings emphasize the potential for personalized lacing strategies to become a standard component of injury prevention protocols in both clinical and athletic settings. Although the current evidence supports the biomechanical benefits of lacing, the existing literature still presents some limitations. The studies included in this review vary in terms of methodology, populations, and outcome measures, making it challenging to establish standardized guidelines. Nevertheless, the consistent findings regarding the impact of lacing on plantar pressure and Achilles tendon strain suggest that further research should focus on refining these techniques for different populations, particularly those with specific foot health concerns. A significant limitation of the reviewed studies concernsthe small sample sizes, with several involving fewer than 20 participants. This limits the generalizability of the findings. Larger-scale studies with more diverse populations are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and provide stronger statistical power. Furthermore, future research should incorporate longer follow-up periods to assess the sustained effects of lacing techniques on foot biomechanics. This scoping review synthesizes valuable insights into the role of lacing techniques in foot health, injury prevention, and comfort. It reinforces the notion that lacing is not merely a functional necessity but a customizable tool that can significantly influence foot biomechanics. Healthcare professionals, athletes, and individuals at risk of foot injuries should be encouraged to adopt evidence-based lacing strategies to optimize foot health and well-being. One of the key takeaways from this body of research is the significant influence of different lacing patterns on dorsal pressure distribution during running, as highlighted by [PERSON] et al. (2010) [1]. Their study illuminates how variations in lacing techniques can have a direct impact on the biomechanics of the foot. This suggests that individuals can fine-tune their lacing patterns to optimize foot mechanics, potentially reducing the risk of injuries associated with abnormal pressure distribution [4; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39]. Additionally, the investigation conducted by [PERSON] et al. (2011) delves into the effects of lacing tightness on plantar pressure distribution [40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48].