Force Generation on the Hallux Is More Affected by the Ankle Joint Angle than the Lesser Toes: An In Vivo Human Study

Abstract

The structure of the first toe is independent of that of the other toes, while the functional difference remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the force generation characteristics between the plantar-flexion of the first and second–fifth metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) by comparing the maximal voluntary plantar-flexion torques (MVC torque) at different MTPJs and ankle positions. The MVC torques of the first and second–fifth MTPJs were measured at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° dorsiflexed positions of the MTPJs, and at 20° plantar-flexed, neutral, and 20° dorsiflexed positions of the ankle. Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance with Holm’s multiple comparison test (MTPJ position × ankle position) were performed. When the MTPJ was dorsiflexed at 0°, 15°, and 30°, the MVC torque of the first MTPJ when the ankle was dorsiflexed at 20° was higher than that when the ankle was plantar-flexed at 20°. However, the ankle position had no significant effect on the MVC torque of the second–fifth MTPJ. Thus, the MVC torque of the first MTPJ was more affected by the ankle position than the second–fifth MTPJs.

Strength and size relationships of toe flexor muscles with special reference to the toes intended for force production

“…In all TFS measurements, the angle-adjustable sensor plate was placed at 45° of dorsi exion at the MTP joint, in accordance with previous studies 13,14 . Previous reports have shown that the highest TFS values were determined at 45° of dorsi exion at the MTP joint and 90° of dorsi exion at the ankle joint angles in all cases when TFS was produced by all toes 1 , the great toe, and lesser toes 17 . To avoid extraneous movements, the ankle and forefoot were xed on the ground of the device using Velcro straps.…”

In Pursuit of the Perfect Dancer’s Ballet Foot. The Footprint, Stabilometric, Pedobarographic Parameters of Professional Ballet Dancers

“…The dysfunction of the aforesaid structure may trigger a sequence of events and affect the Achilles tendon, calf muscles, the back part of the thigh (hamstrings), and even the lower parts of the spine. According to the latest research [ 26 ], force generation on the hallux is more affected by the ankle joint angle than the lesser toes. A similar situation can be observed as regards the hallux valgus, related to the deformation of the spine, positions of the lower limbs and the range of movements in the ankle [ 27 ].…”