Relationship between toe-gripping exercises and lower limb muscular activity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationship between toe-gripping exercises and lower limb muscular activity. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 8 healthy male students. Toe-grip strength of one foot was measured by a toe-grip strength meter three times in a chair-sitting posture. Muscular activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), abductor hallucis (AH) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) were measured during maximum toe-gripping. [Results] Positive correlations were found between toe-grip strength and TA, AH and FDB muscular activities. [Conclusion] The relationships of the toe-grip strength with muscular activities were revealed. The results suggest that not only the hallux, but also all of the toes are important for toe-grip strength, implying that it is important to train all of the toes.