The Effects of Short Foot Exercise on Muscle Activity and Balance in Young Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of short foot exercise (SFE) on muscle activity of the abductor hallucismuscle and static balance of young adults with mild chronic ankle instability (CAI) and to provide basic data on CAI treatment andintervention. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 30 young adults with mild chronic ankle instability participated in the study. The participants were randomized to the SFE group (n=15), and the control group(n=15).The method of short foot exercise draws the head ofmetatarsal putted to the floor, and toward the heel. and then, by contracting and maintaining the intrinsic muscles of the foot for 5,10, and 15 seconds. The intervention was applied to the SFE group 5 times a week during the 2 weeks and conducted for 25 minutes a day.In one session, 4 sets were executed according to 3 types of muscle contraction maintenance time.All subjects were measured for muscleactivity and static balance at before-after the intervention. Results: In the comparison within the groups, the SFE group was significantly difference in muscle activity of the abductorhallucis muscle and static balance (p<0.05). In the comparison between the groups, the SFE group was significantly differencefrom the control group in muscle activity and static balance(p <0.05). Conclusions: SFE was an effective method for mild CAI on muscle activity and static balance. It can be used for non-surgicalintervention in mild CAI as basic data and intervention programs.