Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Sapporo Medical University School of Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan | [b] Division of Rehabilitation, Sapporo Maruyama Orthopedics Hospital, Sapporo, Japan | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Japan Healthcare University, Sapporo, Japan | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Teikyo Heisei University, Tokyo, Japan | [e] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Kota Watanabe, Department of Physical Therapy, Sapporo Medical University School of Health Sciences, South-1, West-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608556, Hokkaido, Japan. Tel.: +81 11 611 2111; Fax: +81 11 611 2150; E-mail: wkota@sapmed.ac.jp. ORCID: 0000-0001-9435-7817.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Toe function is characterised by the strength and dexterity of toe motion. However, previous studies have mostly focused on the importance of toe strength. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between flexion strength and dexterity of the toes and physical performance. METHODS: Twenty healthy participants were included in this study. The flexion force of each toe was measured using a digital force gauge, and the toe dexterity was evaluated using the marble pick-up and rock-paper-scissors tests. These parameters were statistically analysed in relation to physical performance, including repeated side step and balance ability, which was evaluated using centre of pressure (COP) data during single-leg standing, tiptoe standing, and single-leg drop-jumping. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between the first toe flexion force and the total trajectory length of the COP during one-leg standing and between the time required for marble pick-up and the rock-paper-scissors score and the COP during single-leg drop-jumping. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the importance of flexion strength and dexterity of the toes in human physical performance and the necessity for the evaluation and improvement of both functions.
Keywords: Toe function, marble pick-up, rock-paper-scissors test, balance
