Effect of a four-week short foot exercise program on dynamic postural control and perceived foot and ankle stability in healthy college students —Its usefulness as a preventive exercise for sprained ankles—

Abstract

Short foot exercise (SFE) has been reported to enhance foot function and postural control by strengthening intrinsic foot muscles. Improving foot function and postural control is important component when considering preventive exercise for sprained ankles. However, only a few studies have verified its ability to act as a preventive exercise for sprained ankles. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of a four-week SFE program on dynamic postural control and perceived foot and ankle stability. Further, it aimed to discuss its usefulness as a preventive exercise. A total of nineteen healthy college male students were recruited in this study. All subjects completed a four-week SFE program. Both dynamic postural control and perceived foot and ankle stability were measured before and after the four-week SFE program. Dynamic postural control was measured by anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), while the perceived foot and ankle stability was measured during the reaching movements of anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions of the SEBT. Our study noted that, after the four-week SFE program, the dynamic postural control of the subjects showed a significant improvement in all three directions. Likewise, the perceived foot and ankle stability of the subjects showed a significant improvement in both posteromedial and posterolateral directions. It is, therefore, speculated that SFE may help prevent sprained ankles. More studies are necessary to further examine the effects of SFE, especially for patients who experienced ankle sprains.