Abstract
Background: There is little scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of strengthening exercises on the foot’s intrinsic musculature in improving the lower limb on the statics and dynamics in healthy individuals. Method: To evaluate the effect on foot posture with regard to the reinforcement of the short foot exercise (SFE) compared to another without a recognized biomechanical action, which we called the “non-biomechanical function” (NBF) exercise. A randomized clinical trial was carried out with 85 asymptomatic participants with a bilateral Foot Posture Index (FPI) greater than 6 points. An experimental group (n = 42) did SFE training and a control group (n = 43) carried out NBF exercises. The foot posture was evaluated twice via the navicular drop (ND) test, and the FPI was assessed on the day of inclusion in the study (pre-intervention) and after four weeks of training (post-intervention). Results: Statistically significant values were not found in foot posture between the experimental and the control groups when comparing before and after the training. However, the foot posture was modified in both groups with respect to its initial state, and the ND value decreased. Conclusions: SFE could be considered a useful tool to deal with pathologies whose etiology includes excessive pronation of the foot.
Highlights
The intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) has a determinant role in the standing position and in walking.Its function is considered primordial in maintaining the plantar arch and controlling foot posture along with the rest of its anatomical structures [1,2].Weakness of the short or intrinsic muscle of the foot is related to greater incidence of pronation, fasciitis, sprains, and injuries of other body parts [3,4,5,6]
short foot exercise (SFE) could be considered a useful tool to deal with pathologies whose etiology includes excessive pronation of the foot
An analysis was conducted for the variables age, sex, BMI, navicular drop (ND), and Foot Posture Index (FPI) for each foot of the total sample both for the experimental and the control groups
Summary
Weakness of the short or intrinsic muscle of the foot is related to greater incidence of pronation, fasciitis, sprains, and injuries of other body parts [3,4,5,6]. There are studies that conclude that participants with a normal Foot Posture Index (FPI) score are more inclined to suffer pain in the patellar tendon with respect to subjects with a slight pronation [11]. Other research correlates the foot’s pronated position with injuries due to overloading in the lower limb [10]. Results: Statistically significant values were not found in foot posture between the experimental and the control groups when comparing before and after the training. The foot posture was modified in both groups with respect to its initial state, and the ND value decreased
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