The Effect of Foot Position on Lower Leg Muscle Activity in Flatfoot: during Pilates Reformer Footwork Exercise

Purpose: Recent studies proved that Pilates method is effective not only in core stabilization but also in muscle strength of lower limbs. Flatfoot is a deficiency of the medial longitudinal arch which can cause pain, fatigue, and a decrease in efficient muscle movement in lower limbs. This study is aimed to reveal how Pilates reformer footwork movement could be applied to flatfoot and suggest the effective foot position during Pilates reformer footwork by comparing EMG of the lower leg muscle activity.<br/> Methods: The participants were divided into two groups, the flatfoot group and the normal foot group.<br/>Each group consisted of 10 participants and all participants measured their lower leg muscle (Tibialis Anterior, Tibialis Posterior, Peroneus Longus, Peroneus Brevis) activation during Pilates footwork movement. The muscle activation was recorded through a wireless EMG system and the average and standard deviation of three trials in both positions (Toe position, Heel position) were used. Two-way ANOVA was applied for the data analysis.<br/> Result: In toe position, the flatfoot group showed significantly low activation of peroneus longus ( p<.01). Both groups showed higher activation of tibialis anterior in heel position ( p<.001) and higher activation of peroneus longus, peroneus brevis in toe position ( p<.01).<br/> Conclusion: During footwork exercise, positioning the foot on the foot bar by the toe or heel can activate different lower leg muscles. Especially in flatfoot, positioning in the toe position during the Pilates reformer footwork would be effective to activate peroneus longus.