Abstract
[Purpose] This research considers the effects of posture on toe flexor strength measured for a subject positioned on the edge of a seat and upright, and compares crural muscle movement to study the effects of posture on toe flexor strength. [Subjects and method] Toe flexor strength was measured for twenty (20) healthy adult female subjects positioned on the edge of a seat and standing. An integrated electromyogram was used to measure the medial gastrocnemius muscle, soleus muscle, and the tibialis anterior muscle at this time, calculate %IEMG for maximum isometric voluntary contractions, and compare to measured toe flexor strength. [Results] No significant difference in toe flexor strength was found between the position at the edge of a seat and standing. Comparison of crural muscle movement shows that seat edge position was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the standing position for %IEMG of the medial gastrocnemius muscle. No significant difference between measurement conditions for the soleus muscle and tibialis anterior muscle was found. [Conclusion] It has been suggested that toe flexor strength can be measured without being affected by posture. The finding of a significant difference in the %IEMG of the medial gastrocnemius muscle also suggests that when gastrocnemius muscle strength is reduced, values obtained when toe flexor strength is measured for a subject positioned on the edge of a seat will be affected.
