Abstract. [Purpose] Several exercises aim to strengthen the abductor hallucis (AbdH) of the foot arch which acts as a shock absorber. The purpose of the present study was to compare various exercises designed to strengthen the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) by selectively recruiting the AbdH in order to identify the most effective exercise method.[Subjects] Six males and six females participated in this study.[Methods] We selected and compared 5 exercises, which are known to be effective exercises.[Result] The exercise giving the highest EMG activation was EX 2 (64.43% MVIC). The second highest activation was found in EX 4 (40.50% MVIC). EMG values in EX 1 (40.12% MVIC), EX 4 and EX 5 (34.34% MVIC) were higher than in EX 3 (18.59% MVIC). EX 3 gave the lowest EMG activation of the 5 exercises.[Conclusion] The MLA plays an important role in gait and energy efficiency. Therefore, new exercises should be designed and existing exercises should be extended to incorporate new movements.
[Purpose] This study examined the effects of different weight-bearing postures on the
activation of the abductor hallucis muscle during foot-arch exercises. [Subjects] The
study recruited 11 healthy volunteers who were pain-free, had no history of foot or ankle
surgery, and were able to maintain a standing posture. [Methods] The subjects performed
short-foot and toe-spreading exercises while sitting and standing. [Results] The abductor
hallucis muscle activation in the toe-spreading exercise was significantly greater when
standing than in sitting, while that in the short-foot exercise did not differ
significantly between the two postures. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggests
that a weight bearing posture such as standing is the most effective method of increasing
the EMG activity of abductor hallucis muscle in the toe-spreading exercise.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an inclined ankle on
the activation of the abductor hallucis muscle during short foot exercises. [Subjects] We
recruited 14 healthy volunteers who were free of pain, and did not suffer from arthritis
or osteomuscular problems related to the foot or ankle. [Methods] The subjects performed
short foot exercises and short inclined foot exercises with 30° passive ankle
dorsiflexion. [Results] The exercise with an inclined foot showed a significantly larger
activation of the abductor hallucis than that shown during the neutral short foot
exercises. [Conclusion] These results suggest that passive ankle dorsiflexion during short
foot exercise for strengthening the abductor hallucis is a more effective clinical
treatment exercise.
Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation of subdivisions of the gluteus medius during modified unilateral weight-bearing exercises using a pressure-biofeedback unit in order to suggest the most effective exercise method.[Subjects] We recruited 15 healthy adult females with no pain in the gluteus medius and no other orthopedic problems in the lower limbs.[Methods] The enrolled individuals performed four modified unilateral biofeedback exercises: wall-press with adduction force, WP-ADD; wall-press with abduction force, WP-ABD; wall-squat with adduction force, WS-ADD; and wall-squat with abduction force.[Results] The anterior and middle fibers of the gluteus medius were highly activated during WP-ADD, and the posterior fiber of the gluteus medius was activated during WS-ABD.[Conclusion] These results suggest that weight-bearing exercises for gluteus medius strengthening should be more specific, and chosen based on the characteristics of each subdivision.
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