Electromyographical activity of foot muscles during various exercises in subjects with normal and flat foot

Object of the study: electromyographical activity of foot muscles during various exercises in subjects with normal and flat foot. Objective: to measure electromyographical activity of foot muscles during various exercises in subjects with normal and flat foot. Hypothesis: we think that electromyographical activity of foot muscles will be greater in subjects with flat foot than with normal foot. Aims of the study: 1. To measure electromyographical activity of abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles during various exercises in subjects with normal foot. 2. To measure electromyographical activity of abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles during various exercises in subjects with flat foot. 3. To compare electromyographical activity of abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles during various exercises between subjects with normal and flat foot. Problem of the study: Abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles play an important role during gait, supporting medial longitudinal arch and controlling pronation of foot (Cameron et al., 2008; Jung et al., 2011). Flattering of medial longitudinal arch increases the risk of various orthopaedic conditions such as hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral pain and others (Easley & Tunka, 2007; Pohl et al., 2009, Ryan et al., 2009). It is important that medial longitudinal arch height would be maintained not only in static position, but also during gait. This mainly depends on foot muscles including abductor hallucis and peroneus longus (Wong, 2007). We need exercises in order to maintain normal height of medial longitudinal arch and strengthen the muscles which help to maintain it (Heo et al., 2011; Jung et al., 2011). There are a few studies about electromyographical activity of abductor hallucis and other intrinsic foot muscles during common exercises used in rehabilitation (Jung et al., 2011; Rothermel et al., 2004). There is a lack of evidence about specific evaluation of intrinsic foot muscles and their retraining andhow intrinsic foot muscles help to stabilize the foot (Jam, 2006). Conclusions: 1. In subjects with normal foot the greatest electromyographical activity of peroneus longus muscle was registered during single leg heel raise (p<0,05), the greatest activity of tibialis anterior – during toe curl (p<0,05) and there were no significant differences in electromyographical activity of abductor hallucis muscle. 2. In subjects with flat foot the greatest electromyographical activity of peroneus longus muscle was registered during single leg heel raise (p<0,05) and there were no significant differences in electromyographical activity of tibialis anterior and abductor hallucis muscles. 3. Electromyographical activity of tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles was greater in subjects with normal foot than in subjects with flat foot during toe curl (p