Laterality of toe grip strength in Kendo players

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether unilateral dominance exists in toe grip strength in Kendo players using a toe grip dynamometer. [Participants and Methods] In total, 15 male college Kendo players, who had no disability or pain in their feet, were included in the study. The participants completed a questionnaire to determine which foot the participants used as their front and rear foot while standing in Kendo. We measured toe grip strength three times on each side. We then extracted the maximum value of toe grip strength from the three measurements on each side and calculated the ratio of toe grip strength to body weight (%). [Results] All players used their right foot as the front foot. We found that the front foot toe grip strength was significantly stronger than the rear foot toe grip strength. [Conclusion] Our results suggest laterality of toe grip strength and the front foot toe grip strength is stronger than the rear foot toe grip strength in Kendo players. Keywords: Kendo; Laterality; Toe grip strength.