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Background: The first metatarsophalangeal joint plays a fundamental role during the gait cycle. The Hubscher manoeuvre, which consists of passively dorsiflexing the first metatarsophalangeal joint of an individual in relaxed stance and observing the raising of the medial longitudinal arch, is a clinical test thought to examine the function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. However, the hallux dorsiflexion achieved during this test is not related to hallux dorsiflexion during gait. On the other hand, unlike kinematic tests, results from kinetic tests have been shown to be strongly correlated with dynamic joint biomechanics. Thus, given the need for valid and reliable tests to evaluate the function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, this study aimed to assess the reliability of a new kinetic test, namely, the first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion resistance test. Method: Thirty young adults completed two data collection sessions 1 week apart, during which the first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion resistance test was performed. Intrarater and interrater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), minimal detectable difference (MDD), standard error of the mean (SEM) and limits of agreements (LoA). Results: For the intrarater reliability, the ICC was 0.77 (p < 0.001), the SEM was 6.5 N, the MDD was 18.1 N and the LoA were −7.9 to 26.9 N. For the interrater reliability, the ICC was 0.86 (p < 0.001), the SEM was 6.9 N, the MDD was 19.0 N and the LoA were −6.4 to 21.8 N. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate good intra and interrater reliability of the first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion resistance test, which provides evidence to support its use in clinical and research contexts. Further work is required to establish the test results' relationship with joint kinetics during gait and to provide normative values in individuals with and without musculoskeletal disorders as well as among different age groups and genders to optimise its utilization in clinical and research settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantar fasciopathy is a common foot-related musculoskeletal disorder. It has been hypothesized that this disorder could be linked to a dysfunctional windlass mechanism. However, no study to date has quantified this link to validate or refute this hypothesis. The first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MPJ) dorsiflexion resistance test is a reliable test to evaluate the force required to initiate the windlass mechanism. Comparing the results of this test in individuals with and without plantar fasciopathy will allow for a better understanding of the relationship between plantar fasciopathy and the windlass mechanism. Thus, this study aimed to compare 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance in individuals with plantar fasciopathy and healthy controls. Additionally, this study aimed to explore the correlations between 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance and other commonly used foot orthopedic tests, specifically the supination resistance test and the Foot Posture Index. Twenty participants with plantar fasciopathy and 20 healthy controls were recruited in this case-control study. First MPJ dorsiflexion resistance was quantified and compared between groups and between feet using a repeated measures ANOVA with one within-subject factor with two levels and one between-subject factor with two levels. It was also correlated with supination resistance and the Foot Posture Index. There were no significant differences in 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance between injured and healthy feet as well as control and plantar fasciopathy groups. There was a moderate to strong correlation (r = 0.674 to 0.891) between 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance and supination resistance in both groups. There was no significant correlation between 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance and the Foot Posture Index. The lack of alterations in 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance among individuals with plantar fasciopathy implies a potential need to reconsider the biomechanical model, proposing that a dysfunctional windlass mechanism is associated with the development of plantar fasciopathy, may need reconsideration. • No between-group difference in 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance was observed. • Supination resistance and 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance are strongly correlated. • Foot type is weakly correlated with 1st MPJ dorsiflexion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The supination resistance test (SRT) is a kinetic test used in clinical and research contexts to estimate the amount of force required to supinate the foot. Previous studies either used a manual, less reliable version of this test or a more reliable instrumented version, but with devices inconvenient for clinical use. The clinically available Keystone device has been developed for the SRT, and could be better suited for clinical purposes. The objective of this study is to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the Keystone device for the SRT. Method: Thirty young adults underwent two prospective experimental sessions, 1 week apart, during which SRT measures with the Keystone device were registered. Intrarater and interrater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable difference (MDD) and limits of agreements (LoA). Results: The intrarater reliability of the SRT was good (ICC = 0.86, p < 0.001). The SEM, MDD and 95% LoA were 7.3, 20.4 and −31.6–14.3 N, respectively. The interrater reliability of the SRT was good (ICC = 0.76, p < 0.001). The SEM, MDD and 95% LoA were 9.0, 24.9 and −36.6–24.9 N, respectively. Conclusion: The Keystone device is a reliable tool that can be used in clinical and research contexts. Prospective studies aiming to determine if SRT measures are predictors of musculoskeletal injuries or if they can predict the effects of external supports on the biomechanics of the foot and ankle are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]