Effect of using a kinetic wedge during the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test in asymptomatic individuals

Background The hallux dorsiflexion resistance test is a frequently employed clinical maneuver for assessing the ini tiation of the windlass mechanism This maneuver involves dorsiflexion of the phalanx of the hallux, thereby evaluat ing plantarflexion of the first metatarsal, elevation of the medial...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Gómez-Carrión, Alvaro, Sánchez Gómez, Rubén, Reguera Medina, José Manuel, Martínez-Sebastián, Carlos, Márquez-Reina, Salvador, Coheña Jiménez, Manuel, Moisan, Gabriel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/160491
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/160491
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07520-z
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Foot
Biomechanical phenomena
Foot orthoses
Force
Physical examination
Descripción
Sumario:Background The hallux dorsiflexion resistance test is a frequently employed clinical maneuver for assessing the ini tiation of the windlass mechanism This maneuver involves dorsiflexion of the phalanx of the hallux, thereby evaluat ing plantarflexion of the first metatarsal, elevation of the medial longitudinal arch, and supination of the rearfoot. The windlass mechanism plays a crucial role in gait, and orthopedic devices, such as a kinetic wedge, which aims to facilitate its activation by increasing the hallux dorsiflexion. Although it is believed that facilitating the windlass mechanism with the kinetic wedge should be directly correlated with a decrease in hallux dorsiflexion resistance, its effects have yet to be characterized. Thus, this study aimed to determine the influence of a kinetic wedge on hallux dorsiflexion resistance in asymptomatic individuals. Methods The sample comprised thirty participants (14 women and 16 men). A digital force gauge measured the force required to perform the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test during two conditions: barefoot and with a kinetic wedge. The Wilcoxon signed‑rank test was used to compare the hallux dorsiflexion resistance between conditions. Results A statistically significant reduction in force (10.54 ± 3.16N vs. 19.62 ± 5.18N, p < 0.001) was observed when using the kinetic wedge compared to the barefoot condition during the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test. Conclusion The use of a kinetic wedge reduces the required force for performing the passive hallux dorsiflexion resistance test in asymptomatic individuals. Future studies should determine to what extent the kinetic wedge can attenuate the required force to dorsiflex the hallux in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders such as plantar fascio pathy and functional hallux limitus.