스포츠 양말 형태에 따른 발의 균형능력에 미치는 영향

The Effect of Sports Sock Types on Foot Balance Ability

Objective: This study investigated the effects of different types of sports socks on muscle activation, balance, and gait in the foot. Method: A total of 36 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A received regular sports socks, Group B received toe socks, and Group C received specialized toe socks. Body composition analysis was performed using a body composition analyzer (InBody). Muscle activity, fatigue, and plantar pressure were compared across groups using one-way ANOVA, while within-group comparisons before and after training were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: The muscle activity of the left tibialis anterior (TA) in Group A was significantly higher than in Group B (p=.032) and Group C (p=.033). There was no significant difference between Groups B and C (p=.917). Similarly, for the left extensor digitorum brevis (EDB), Group A showed higher activity than Group B (p=.006), but no significant differences were observed between Groups A and C (p=0.061) or Groups B and C (p=.279). Within-group comparisons of muscle activity before and after training revealed significant increases in the right EDB in Group B (p<.05) and the right TA in Group C (p<.05). Regarding muscle fatigue, the left TA in Group A showed a significant difference before and after training (p=.04), while no significant changes were observed in Groups B and C. Additionally, in bilateral plantar pressure assessments before and after training, Group C exhibited significant differences in medial toe pressure (MTH 1) and lateral arch pressure (p<.05). Conclusion: Toe-shaped sports socks can influence muscle activation, muscle fatigue, and pressure distribution in the foot. Further research is necessary to enhance the functional application of these socks.