The Effect of an Inclined Ankle on the Activation of the Abductor Hallucis Muscle during Short Foot Exercise

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an inclined ankle on the activation of the abductor hallucis muscle during short foot exercises. [Subjects] We recruited 14 healthy volunteers who were free of pain, and did not suffer from arthritis or osteomuscular problems related to the foot or ankle. [Methods] The subjects performed short foot exercises and short inclined foot exercises with 30° passive ankle dorsiflexion. [Results] The exercise with an inclined foot showed a significantly larger activation of the abductor hallucis than that shown during the neutral short foot exercises. [Conclusion] These results suggest that passive ankle dorsiflexion during short foot exercise for strengthening the abductor hallucis is a more effective clinical treatment exercise.