Acute effects of intrinsic foot muscle fatigue on single-leg static balance parameters in healthy young adults: a cross-sectional study
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, cilt.17, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 17 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s13102-025-01357-2
- Dergi Adı: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Intrinsic foot muscle, Fatigue, Balance
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: The intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) are known to contribute significantly to postural control, particularly during tasks requiring single-limb stability. However, their acute role under fatigued conditions remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of IFMs fatigue on static balance parameters during single-leg stance in healthy young adults. Methods: Sixty-six participants performed a standardized IFMs fatigue protocol consisting of six exercises. Static balance was assessed using a stabilometric platform during single-leg stance with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC), both before and immediately after the fatigue protocol. Static balance parameters and trunk movements were analyzed. Paired t-tests were conducted, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. Results: Following the intrinsic foot muscle fatigue protocol, during EO single-leg stance, medio-lateral CoP displacement increased (p = 0.003, d = 0.37), while sway speed decreased in both medio-lateral (p = 0.01, d = 0.31) and antero-posterior directions (p = 0.03, d = 0.26), along with a reduction in sway perimeter (p = 0.004, d = 0.36). In EC stance, medio-lateral trunk sway (p = 0.009, d = 0.14) and total trunk sway (p = 0.011, d = 0.39) significantly increased, with no other parameters showing significant changes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights IFMs fatigue was associated with decreased sway speed and ellipse area despite greater CoPx variability, suggesting a role in modulating fine adjustments. Under EC conditions, increased trunk sway appeared to reflect a compensatory postural adjustment. Overall, these findings indicate that IFMs act not only as structural supporters but also as active contributors to postural control. Trial registration: Not applicable.