Samenvatting

Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the difference in direct effect of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback of the abductor hallucis (AH) muscle on the plantar pressure underneath the MLA (PPMLA) during the short-foot exercise (SFE) and a single-leg balance task (BT).

Method: Pressure-time integral underneath the midfoot (PTImidfoot) was measured for 27 participants during the SFE and the BT with and without EMG biofeedback of the AH.

Findings: EMG biofeedback had no direct effect on PTImidfoot during the SFE (p=0,072). During the BT, PTImidfoot was decreased with the use of EMG biofeedback (p=0,009).
PTImidfoot was decreased with the use of EMG biofeedback for 19 participants during the BT. It was decreased for 4 participants during the SFE. However, it was increased during both exercises for 4 participants.

Interpretations: The use of EMG biofeedback may reduce the PPMLA during functional tasks such as a single-leg balance exercise. During specific foot exercises such as the SFE, the PPMLA remained constant. Finally, some individuals may benefit more from the use of EMG biofeedback during specific foot exercises while other during functional tasks. However, additional research is needed to explain underlying mechanisms behind PPMLA changes.