Is there any evidence that strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles can improve athletic performance ? Yes ,and in fact it is pretty well documented .
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Here are three abstracts and then their sources -
1
Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to verify the effects of intrinsic foot flexor strength training. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 healthy males without motor system disease. [Methods] A training method that involved flexion of all toe interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints against a 3-kg load was implemented and was performed for 200 repetitions once per day, three times per week, for a period of eight weeks. [Results] Significant changes were observed for intrinsic foot flexor strength scores, foot arches, vertical jumping, 1-legged long jumping, and 50-m dash time. [Conclusion] This muscle strength training method significantly improved muscle strength scores, foot arch shape, and movement performance.
2
PART OF ABSTRACT ( From study done at Brigham young university )
"It was concluded that performance in the vertical jump and shot put can be improved by strengthening the toe and finger muscle flexors at the metatarsophalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. "
Abstract 3
Abstract The metatarsal phalangeal joint (MPJ) and its crossing toe flexor muscles (TFM) represent the link between the large energy generating leg extensor muscles and the ground. The purpose of this study was to examine the functional adaptability of TFM to increased mechanical stimuli and the effects on walking, running and jumping performance. Fifteen men performed a heavy resistance TFM strength training with 90% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for 7 weeks (560 contractions) for the left and right foot. Maximal MPJ and ankle plantar flexion moments during MVICs were measured in dynamometers before and after the intervention. Motion analyses (inverse dynamics) were performed during barefoot walking, running, and vertical and horizontal jumping. Athletic performance was determined by measuring jump height and distance. Left (0.21 to 0.38 Nm · kg(-1); P < 0.001) and right (0.24 to 0.40 Nm · kg(-1); P < 0.001) MPJ plantar flexion moments in the dynamometer, external MPJ dorsiflexion moments (0.69 to 0.75 Nm · kg(-1); P = 0.012) and jump distance (2.25 to 2.31 m; P = 0.006) in horizontal jumping increased significantly. TFM responded highly to increased loading within a few weeks. The increased force potential made a contribution to an athlete's performance enhancement.
SOURCE 1
Strength Training for the Intrinsic Flexor Muscles of the Foot: Effects on ...
SOURCE 2
Improved Performance through Digit Strength Gains: Research ...
SOURCE 3
(PDF) The Potential of toe flexor muscles to enhance performance
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