Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Training in Improving Stability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Design
2.2. Sample Size Calculation
2.3. Participants
2.4. Outcome Measures
2.5. Intervention
- Short Foot Exercise (SFE): SFE is the most widely used and evidenced exercise in IFM training [18,19,22,23]. To perform the exercise, subjects were placed in a seated position, with both feet on the floor and with the hips, knees, and ankles at 90° of flexion. Participants were instructed to shorten their foot in the anterior–posterior direction, while actively attempting to bring the head of the first metatarsal toward the heel without curling the toes and without tibialis anterior activation. Participants maintained the position for 20 s with five repetitions completed. The exercise is performed first with one foot and then with the other.
- Toes-Spread Out (TSO): Gooding et al. [38] and Kim et al. [39] showed that TSO is the exercise that generates the greatest activation of the IFMs, compared with other exercises such as SFE, hallux extension, and lesser toes extension. The TSO exercise was performed by extending the toes and then simultaneously abducting all five toes while also flexing the first and fifth toes to the ground, keeping toes two to four extended. The middle toes were finally relaxed. Participants were asked to complete 10–15 repetitions. The exercise is performed first with one foot and then with the other.
- Vele’s forward lean: this exercise has been less commonly used in the literature, although there is also evidence to support its use for the improvement of IFM strength [25]. This exercise consists of performing a maximal forward lean from a standing position with arms alongside the body and with the feet shoulder-width apart, with body in line and without lifting the heels off the floor. Participants were instructed to maintain this position for 15–20 s if possible, with five repetitions completed.
2.6. Statistical Analysis
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Abbreviations
BMI | Body Mass Index |
CON | Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials |
EDSS | Expanded Disability Status Scale |
IFMs | Intrinsic Foot Muscles |
SFE | Short Foot Exercise |
SPSS | Statistical Package for the Social Sciences |
FICSIT-4 test | The Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques |
TSO | Toes-Spread Out |
References
- Doshi, A.; Chataway, J. Multiple sclerosis, a treatable disease. Clin. Med. 2016, 16, 53–59. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Walton, C.; King, R.; Rechtman, L.; Kaye, W.; Leray, E.; Marrie, R.A.; Robertson, N.; La Rocca, N.; Uitdehaag, B.; van Der Mei, I.; et al. Rising prevalence of multiple sclerosis worldwide: Insight from the Atlas of MS, third edition. Mult. Scler. J. 2020, 26, 1816–1821. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Rivera, V.M. Editorial of Special Issue “Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis and Treatment II”. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 1605. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ramírez, A.O.; Keenan, A.; Kalau, O.; Worthington, E.; Cohen, L.; Singh, S. Prevalence and burden of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: A systematic literature review. BMC Neurol. 2021, 21, 468. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Patti, F.; Vila, C. Symptoms, Prevalence and Impact of Multiple Sclerosis in Younger Patients: A Multinational Survey. Neuroepidemiology 2014, 42, 211–218. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Meca-Lallana, V.; Gascón-Giménez, F.; Ginestal-López, R.C.; Higueras, Y.; Téllez-Lara, N.; Carreres-Polo, J.; Eichau-Madueño, S.; Romero-Imbroda, J.; Vidal-Jordana, Á.; Pérez-Miralles, F. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: Diagnosis and monitoring. Neurol. Sci. 2021, 45, 5183–5193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ghosh, R.; Roy, D.; Dubey, S.; Das, S.; Benito-León, J. Movement disorders in multiple sclerosis: An update. Tremor Other Hyperkinetic Mov. 2022, 12, 14. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cameron, M.H.; Lord, S. Postural control in multiple sclerosis: Implications for fall prevention. Curr. Neurol. Neurosci. Rep. 2010, 10, 407–412. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wagner, J.M.; Norris, R.A.; Van Dillen, L.R.; Thomas, F.P.; Naismith, R.T. Four square step test in ambulant persons with multiple sclerosis: Validity, reliability and responsiveness. Int. J. Rehabil. Res. 2013, 36, 253–259. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sosnoff, J.J.; Sung, J. Reducing falls and improving mobility in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev. Neurother. 2015, 15, 655–666. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Abadi-Marand, L.; Noorizadeh Dehkordi, S.; Roohi-Azizi, M.; Dadgoo, M. Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization on balance, trunk funtion, falling and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2023, 104, 90–101. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Molhemi, F.; Monjezi, S.; Mehravar, M.; Shaterzadeh-Yazdi, M.; Salehi, R.; Hesam, S.; Mohammadianinejad, E. Effects of virtual reality vs conventional balance training on balance and falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2021, 102, 290–299. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Kalron, A.; Fonkatz, I.; Frid, L.; Baransi, H.; Achiron, A. The effect of balance training on postural control in people with multiple sclerosis using the CAREN virtual reality system: A pilot randomized controlled trial. J. Neuroeng. Rehabil. 2016, 13, 13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Monjezi, S.; Negahban, H.; Tajali, S.; Yadollahpour, N.; Majdinasab, N. Effects of dual-task balance training on postural performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: A double-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial. Clin. Rehabil. 2016, 31, 234–241. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gandolfi, M.; Munari, D.; Geroin, C.; Gajofatto, A.; Benedetti, M.D.; Midiri, A.; Carla, F.; Picelli, A.; Waldner, A.; Smania, N. Sensory integration balance training in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, controlled trial. Mult. Scler. J. 2015, 21, 1453–1462. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kasser, S.L.; Jacobs, J.V.; Ford, M.; Tourville, T.W. Effects of balance-specific exercises on balance, physical activity and quality of life in adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot investigation. Disabil. Rehabil. 2015, 37, 2238–2249. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wallace, J.W.; Rasman, B.G.; Dalton, B.H. Vestibular-evoked responses indicate a functional role for intrinsic foot muscles during standing balance. Neuroscience 2018, 377, 150–160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kim, E.K.; Kim, J.S. The effects of short foot exercises and arch support insoles on improvement in the medial longitudinal arch and dynamic balance of flexible flatfoot patients. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2016, 28, 3136–3139. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lee, E.; Cho, J.; Lee, S. Short-foot exercise promotes quantitative somatosensory function in ankle instability: A randomized controlled trial. Med. Sci. Monit. 2019, 25, 618–626. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lee, D.R.; Choi, Y.E. Effects of a 6-week intrinsic foot muscle exercise program on the functions of intrinsic foot muscle and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability. J. Exerc. Rehabil. 2019, 15, 709–714. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lynn, S.K.; Padilla, R.A.; Tsang, K.K.W. Differences in static- and dynamic-balance task performance after 4 weeks of intrinsic-foot-muscle training: The short-foot exercise versus the towel-curl exercise. J. Sport Rehabil. 2012, 21, 327–333. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Mickle, K.J.; Caputi, P.; Potter, J.M.; Steele, J.R. Efficacy of a progressive resistance exercise program to increase toe flexor strength in older people. Clin. Biomech. 2016, 40, 14–19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Mulligan, E.P.; Cook, P.G. Effect of plantar intrinsic muscle training on medial longitudinal arch morphology and dynamic function. Man. Ther. 2013, 18, 425–430. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Hashimoto, T.; Sakuraba, K. Strength training for the intrinsic flexor muscles of the foot: Effects on muscle strength, the foot arch, and dynamic parameters before and after the training. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2014, 26, 373–376. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sulowska, I.; Mika, A.; Oleksy, Ł.; Stolarczyk, A. The influence of plantar short foot muscle exercises on the lower extremity muscle strength and power in proximal segments of the kinematic chain in long-distance runners. BioMed Res. Int. 2019, 2019, 694273. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Taddei, U.T.; Matias, A.B.; Duarte, M.; Sacco, I.C.N. Foot core training to prevent running-related injuries: A survival analysis of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Am. J. Sports Med. 2020, 48, 3610–3619. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Schulz, K.; Atman, D.; Moher, D. CONSORT 2010 Statement: Updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials. BMJ 2010, 23, c332. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Meyer-Moock, S.; Feng, Y.S.; Maeurer, M.; Dippel, F.W.; Kohlmann, T. Systematic literature review and validity evaluation of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and de Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) in patients with multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurol. 2014, 14, 58. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dite, W.; Temple, V.A. A clinical test of stepping and change of direction to identify multiple falling older adults. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2002, 83, 1566–1571. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nieuwenhuis, M.M.; Van Tongeren, H.; Sørensen, P.S.; Ravnborg, M. The Six Spot Step Test: A new measurement for walking ability in multiple sclerosis. Mult. Scler. 2006, 12, 495–500. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Pavan, K.; Tilbery, C.P.; Lianza, S.; Matsuda Marangoni, B.E. Validation of the “Six Step Spot Test” for gait among patients with multiple sclerosis in Brazil. Arq. Neuropsiquiatr. 2010, 68, 198–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Skjerbæk, A.G.; Dalgas, U.; Stenager, E.; Boesen, F.; Hvid, L.G. The six spot step test is superior in detecting walking capacity impairments compared to short- and long-distance walk tests in persons with multiple sclerosis. MSJ Exp. Transl. Clin. 2023, 9, 20552173231218127. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Rossiter-Fornoff, J.; Wolf, S.; Wolfson, L.; Buchner, D. A cross-sectional validation study of the FICSIT common data base static balance measures. Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques. J. Gerontol. Biol. Sci. Med. 1995, 50, 291–297. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Thomas, J.C.; Odonkor, C.; Griffith, L.; Holt, N.; Percac-Lima, S.; Leveille, S.; Ni, P.; Latham, N.K.; Jette, A.M.; Bean, J.F. Reconceptualizing balance: Attributes associated with balance performance. Exp. Gerontol. 2014, 57, 218–223. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cadore, E.L.; Casas-Herrero, A.; Zambom-Ferraresi, F.; Idoate, F.; Millor, N.; Gómez, M.; Rodriguez-Mañas, L.; Izquierdo, M. Multicomponent exercises including muscle power training enhances muscles mass, power output, and functional outcomes in instituzionalized frail nonagenarians. Age 2014, 36, 773–785. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cattaneo, D.; Jonsdottir, J.; Repetti, S. Reliability of four scales on balance disorders in persons with multiple sclerosis. Disabil. Rehabil. 2007, 29, 1920–1925. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Garg, H.; Bush, S.; Gappmaier, E. Associations between fatigue and disability, functional mobility, depression, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. Int. J. MS Care 2016, 18, 71–77. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gooding, T.M.; Feger, M.A.; Hart, J.M.; Hertel, J. Intrinsic foot muscle activation during specific exercises: A T2 time magnetic resonance imaging study. J. Athl. Train. 2016, 51, 644–650. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kim, M.; Kwon, O.; Kim, S.; Jung, D. Comparison of muscle activities of abductor hallucis and adductor hallucis between the short foot and toes-spread-out exercises in subjetcs with mild hallux valgus. J. Back Musculoskelet. Rehabil. 2013, 26, 163–168. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kao, S.L.; Hsiao, M.L.; Wang, J.H.; Chen, C.S.; Chen, S.Y.; Shiau, Y.J.; Yang, C.H. Effects of integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise with foot core training device on balance and body composition among community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above. BMC Geriatr. 2024, 24, 403. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Demographic and Clinical Variables | Intervention Group (N = 16) | Control Group (N = 15) |
---|---|---|
Sex, N (%) | ||
Men | 5 (31.3) | 6 (40) |
Women | 11 (68.8) | 9 (60) |
Age (years) | 54.44 ± 8.66 | 46.47 ± 9.65 |
Weight (Kg) | 66.31 ± 8.81 | 68.8 ± 18.34 |
Height (m) | 1.66 ± 0.08 | 1.67 ± 0.09 |
BMI (Kg/cm2) | 24.18 ± 3.16 | 24.66 ± 5.58 |
Years since diagnosis | 16.22 ± 10.42 | 14.07 ± 8.88 |
MS phenotype, N (%) | ||
R-R | 5 (31.3) | 4 (26.7) |
P1 | 5 (31.3) | 3 (20) |
P2 | 6 (37.4) | 8 (53.3) |
Outcome Variables | Total (N = 31) Mean ± SD | Intervention Group (N = 16) Mean ± SD | Control Group (N = 15) Mean ± SD | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pre | Post | Pre | Post | Pre | Post | |
AsBC Scale (%) | 64.78 ± 16.62 | 66.38 ± 15.37 | 63.39 ± 13.95 | 69.45 ± 12.69 | 66.25 ± 19.47 | 63.11 ± 17.65 |
4SST (seconds) | 13.65 ± 3.91 | 12.52 ± 4.51 | 13.81 ± 3.9 | 12.63 ± 4.67 | 13.47 ± 4.05 | 12.4 ± 4.49 |
FICSIT (score) | 12.58 ± 2.31 | 12.55 ± 2.77 | 12.81 ± 2.2 | 12.63 ± 2.96 | 12.33 ± 2.47 | 12.47 ± 2.64 |
6SST (right foot) | 15.74 ± 9.09 | 13.26 ± 7.22 | 16.63 ± 11.72 | 13 ± 6.64 | 14.8 ± 5.29 | 13.53 ± 8.02 |
6SST (left foot) | 15.19 ± 8.32 | 12.95 ± 5.93 | 15.75 ± 10.64 | 12.88 ± 5.8 | 14.6 ± 5.14 | 13.03 ± 6.27 |
6SST (mean) | 15.47 ± 8.66 | 13.03 ± 6.54 | 16.19 ± 11.15 | 12.84 ± 6.21 | 14.7 ± 5.15 | 13.23 ± 7.09 |
Outcome Variables | Intervention Group | Control Group | p Value |
---|---|---|---|
Amount of Change Median (Min–Max) | Amount of Change Median (Min–Max) | ||
AsBC Scale | 5.59 (−8.13; 38.13) | −0.94 (−32.93; 16.25) | 0.179 |
4SST (seconds) | −1.50 (−6.00; 6.00) | −1.00 (−6.00; 3.00) | 0.720 |
FICSIT (score) | 0.00 (−5.00; 2.00) | 0.00 (−5.00; 3.00) | 0.629 |
6SST (right foot) | −2.00 (−21.00; 1.00) | −2.00 (−7.00; 13.00) | 0.721 |
6SST (left foot) | −2.00 (−22.00; 1.00) | −1.00 (−7.00; 5.00) | 0.874 |
6SST (mean) | −2.00 (−21.50; 1.00) | −1.50 (−6.50; 9.00) | 0.692 |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
García-García, D.; Alvarado-Omenat, J.J.; Llamas-Ramos, R.; Morais-Quintanilla, M.; Llamas-Ramos, I. Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Training in Improving Stability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 6809. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126809
García-García D, Alvarado-Omenat JJ, Llamas-Ramos R, Morais-Quintanilla M, Llamas-Ramos I. Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Training in Improving Stability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(12):6809. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126809
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarcía-García, Daniel, Jorge Juan Alvarado-Omenat, Rocío Llamas-Ramos, Marta Morais-Quintanilla, and Inés Llamas-Ramos. 2025. "Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Training in Improving Stability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial" Applied Sciences 15, no. 12: 6809. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126809
APA StyleGarcía-García, D., Alvarado-Omenat, J. J., Llamas-Ramos, R., Morais-Quintanilla, M., & Llamas-Ramos, I. (2025). Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Training in Improving Stability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Applied Sciences, 15(12), 6809. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126809