Strengthening the Intrinsic Muscles of the Foot and Its Action on Foot Posture and Self-Reported Function in Individuals With Lower Limb Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to systematically review the influence of the intrinsic foot musculature on lower limb injuries, with regard to improving foot posture and self-reported function, and to point out the biomechanical effects of strengthening the intrinsic foot musculature. A comprehensive literature search using National Library of Medicine (Medline-PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Pedro, SportDiscus, and Cochrane was undertaken. Selection Criteria: A literature search was peformed using: Clinical trials of patients with injuries in the lower limbs, and with alterations in the intrinsic musculature of the foot were included and published in the period up to and including April 2023. Data Synthesis: Data analysis was measured as standardized mean difference and confidence interval was set at 95%. Random effects model was used. A total of 1,051 studies were found, but, after evaluation, only 4 were included in the present study. The effect of intrinsic foot musculature strengthening improved medial longitudinal arch height in studies included in the meta-analysis (P < .00001). Based on this systematic review, it is possible to conclude that increasing the strength of intrinsic foot muscles proved to be effective in promoting positive biomechanical changes in the longitudinal arch of the foot of these patients.