Relationships among Floating Toes, Toe Functions, and Static/Dynamic Balance

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the relationships among floating toes, toe functions,and the standing balance by initially examining the presence/absence of floating toes using a plantar pressure distribution measurement device, and subsequently evaluating the toe grip strength, flexibility, and dexterity, as well as the static (fluctuations in the center of gravity) and dynamic (functional reach) balance, involving healthy adult females. On comparing the measurement values of the subjects with (20) and without (43) floating toes,the former showed significantly lower values, representing the toe grip strength, its ratio to the weight, toe flexibility, and functional reach. There were no significant differences between the groups in the height, weight, toe dexterity, total trace length, or outer peripheral area. These results suggest that the presence of floating toes does not markedly influence the toe dexterity or static balance, but it reduces the toe grip strength, toe flexibility,and dynamic balance in the case of healthy adult females.