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.
