Acute effect of short foot exercise on dynamic stability and foot kinematic in trail runners: a proof-of-concept study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Trail runners face uneven terrains requiring optimal foot stability and postural control. The short foot exercise (SFE) may acutely enhance dynamic balance and foot arch height, potentially mitigating injury risk. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of the SFE on postural control and kinematics during a dynamic balance test in trail runners, considering the variations in the weekly training volumes of the participants.

Methods

Sixteen adult trail runners (mean age 36 ± 8.4 years; 50% male) with at least one year of trail running experience were evaluated. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), and kinematics of the foot arch were measured via the Arch Height Index (AHI) using a 3D motion capture system. Baseline measurements were t

SUBMITTER: Aguilar-Risco C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12633145 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature