Exploring Workload Associated With Learning Foot Core Exercises

Abstract

Patients and clinicians have expressed frustration when learning or teaching intrinsic foot muscle exercises. However, there is limited information on how patients perceive the workload of an exercise. This study evaluates participants’ perceptions of workload while learning intrinsic foot muscle exercises with or without neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Twenty-six individuals completed a 4-week supervised intrinsic foot muscle training program. Thirteen participants utilized neuromuscular electrical stimulation during the initial 2 weeks of training. Participant perceptions of workload, measured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, revealed decreasing load over 2 weeks and minimal load at 4 weeks. Inclusion of neuromuscular electrical stimulation did not affect perception of load of skill acquisition.