Investigation of the Effect of Foot Muscle Fatigue on the Foot Sole and Tendon Structural Properties

The dominant foot was determined using the ball-kicking method. While the individual was standing, a ball was placed in the middle of both feet and the individual was asked to hit the ball with his foot. The extremity on which the individual hit the ball was accepted as dominant.

The dominant foot was determined using the ball-kicking method. While the individual was standing, a ball was placed in the middle of both feet and the individual was asked to hit the ball with his foot. The extremity on which the individual hit the ball was accepted as dominant.

The physical activity level of the individuals was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form. This scale, whose short form consists of 7 items, provides information about the time spent during the activity by classifying the activity according to the differences in intensity level. Total Physical Activity Score; The vigorous and moderate physical activity and walking times of the participants in the last 7 days were calculated with the formulas by multiplying the minutes, the number of days and the MET-minute score appropriate for the physical activity performed (MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task)-min/week). According to the questionnaire, physical activity levels are those who are not physically active (<600 MET-min/week), low physical activity level (600-3000 MET-min/week) and adequate physical activity level (beneficial for health) (> 3000 MET-min/week).

In particular, a sit-reach bench (Baseline®, Cooper Institute/YMCA, AAHPERD, New York, USA) was used to measure the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles. Subjects were asked to contact a standard sit-and-reach bench in a sitting position, with their backs against the wall and their knees in full extension, with the soles of their feet flat on the box. Then, individuals were asked to reach forward as far as possible by pushing the device apparatus with their fingertips without lifting their knees, with their palms facing down. Measurements were repeated 3 times and the average of the values was recorded.

The muscle shortness assessment of the individuals regarding M. Gastrocnemius was performed on both ankles while in the supine position using the Silfverskiold method and universal goniometer. While the knee joint was in full extension and 90° flexion, and the subtalar joint was in the neutral position, the dorsiflexion of the ankle was passively performed by the assessor, and the fixed arm of the universal goniometer was measured on the fibula shaft and the mobile arm was placed on the fifth metatarsal shaft. The resulting angles were recorded in degrees.

The navicular height was defined as the distance of the navicular tubercle to the ground when the individual was standing in a relaxed position. In our study; Subjects were asked to stand in a comfortable position for navicular height assessment. The medial protrusion of the tuberosity of the navicular was detected and marked by palpation, and the distance between this point and the ground was measured using a millimetric ruler. The result is recorded in millimeters

Before the measurement, the medial protrusion of the tuberosity of the navicular was detected and marked by palpation. The height of the navicular tubercle was determined with the help of a millimetric ruler placed on the medial part of the foot while the individuals were sitting in a chair with the soles of their feet touching the ground and the hips and knees flexed to 90°. Individuals were asked to stand up and the height of the navicular tubercle was determined again. The amount of change was determined with the help of a ruler and recorded. Each measurement was repeated 3 times and the average value was recorded in millimeters.

Foot Posture Index-6 was used to evaluate foot posture. During the evaluation, the subjects were asked to stand in a way that was comfortable, without moving. Test; It was performed by the physiotherapist based on observation and palpation while the individual was in a static and comfortable standing position. The index consists of 6 items in total, 3 items in the forefoot and 3 items in the hindfoot. In the study; Evaluations were made bilaterally based on observation and palpation from the posterior, medial, lateral and anterior aspects.

The level of fatigue perceived by the individuals during the study was evaluated with the "Borg Fatigue Scale" immediately after completing the fatigue protocol exercises. Developed by Borg, this scale has 10 levels in its modified form, and the category ratio scale consists of definitions corresponding to certain numbers. The participant was asked to score the perceived fatigue between 0 (not at all) and 10 (very very hard).