Effect of Extended Toe Range of Motion on Muscle Stiffness after Exercise

Abstract

Fatigue and high-intensity training induce muscle strain and increase muscle stiffness. Increased muscle tone and muscle stiffness are factors in injury and disability and require prompt palliative care. However, muscle stiffness is not measured in everyday life, leading to injuries and disabilities in the face of disappointment. In looking at routine prevention, we wondered whether muscle stiffness could be reduced from extended toe range of motion. Walking is a complex, continuous movement, but most common shoes on the market compress the plantar arch cap and toes. We conducted a prospective cohort study in which 20 subjects underwent post-load training and then wore flat shoes to measure muscle stiffness. 20 subjects performed a 10-kilometre run, and 30 subjects performed a 30-kilometre run and 20 subjects performed a 30-kilometre run. km of running and 30 min of walking. The intervention group wore flat shoes, while the control group wore their daily shoes. 30-minute preand post-walking muscle stiffness measurements of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius, quadriceps and lumbo-dorsal fascia were taken to test whether the intervention group’s muscle stiffness could be reduced. The results showed that the increase in muscle stiffness of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle in the intervention group was inhibited. In addition, the toe area was found to be extended by wearing flat-shaped shoes.