Institute of Sport Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikolowska 72A, 40-065, Katowice, Poland.
Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 21;14(1):9125. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-59906-7.
This study investigates the relationship between ankle and toe strength and functional stability in young adults, with a sample comprising sixteen females and fourteen males. The research employed force platform data to determine the center of foot pressure (COP) and calculated the forward functional stability index (FFSI) through foot anthropometric measurements. Strength measurements of toe and ankle muscles, during maximal isometric flexion and extension, were conducted using force transducers. Notable positive correlations were found between toe flexor strength and FFSI (left flexor: r = 0.4, right flexor: r = 0.38, p < 0.05), not influenced by foot anthropometry. Contrarily, no significant correlation was observed between ankle muscle strength and FFSI, despite a positive correlation with the COP range. The moderate correlation coefficients suggest that while toe flexor strength is a contributing factor to functional stability, it does not solely determine functional stability. These findings highlight the critical role of muscle strength in maintaining functional stability, particularly during forward movements and emphasize the utility of FFSI alongside traditional COP measures in balance assessment. It is recommended to employ a multifaceted approach is required in balance training programs.
本研究调查了年轻成年人踝关节和脚趾力量与功能稳定性之间的关系，样本包括 16 名女性和 14 名男性。研究采用力台数据来确定足底压力中心（COP），并通过足型测量计算前向功能稳定性指数（FFSI）。使用力传感器进行最大等长跖屈和背屈时的脚趾和踝关节肌肉力量测量。脚趾屈肌力量与 FFSI 之间存在显著正相关（左屈肌：r=0.4，右屈肌：r=0.38，p<0.05），不受足型的影响。相反，踝关节肌肉力量与 FFSI 之间没有显著相关性，尽管与 COP 范围呈正相关。中等相关系数表明，虽然脚趾屈肌力量是功能稳定性的一个影响因素，但它并不能单独决定功能稳定性。这些发现强调了肌肉力量在维持功能稳定性中的关键作用，特别是在向前运动中，并强调了 FFSI 与传统 COP 测量相结合在平衡评估中的应用。建议在平衡训练计划中采用多方面的方法。
