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Chronic ankle instability (CAI) causes impairment in proprioception, such as ankle joint position sense and plantar cutaneous sensation. Although plantar vibration stimulation may be effective as a means of enhancing proprioception, its efficacy remains ambiguous. This study aimed to clarify the immediate effects of plantar vibration stimulation on healthy athletes and athletes with CAI. Eight healthy and eight CAI athletes participated in this study, and their joint position sense and cutaneous sensation were evaluated before and after the intervention of plantar vibration stimulation or non-intervention, designed as a cross-over study. There were no significant differences between the healthy group and the CAI group in both joint position and plantar cutaneous sensation. Also, there were no statistically significant changes in either group before or after the intervention. One possible explanation for the absence of differences between the healthy and CAI groups could be attributed to a high Foot and Ankle Ability Measure score. Neither group exhibited any changes in joint position or plantar cutaneous sensation following the vibration intervention. The frequency and amplitude of the vibration stimulation affecting proprioceptors may be different, and the joint position and plantar cutaneous sensation of CAI groups may be comparable with those of healthy participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the foot muscle morphology and foot posture between healthy adults and lifesavers in sandy beach sports. The participants included 15 lifesaver athletes and 15 healthy adults. Using a non-contact three-dimensional foot measurement device, the foot length, width, and arch height of the right foot were measured while standing and sitting without back support, and the transverse arch length ratio and arch height index were subsequently calculated. Muscle cross-sectional area was measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Muscle cross-sectional areas, arch height, foot width, arch height index, and transverse arch length ratio were larger in the lifesaver than in the healthy adult group. Lifesavers had higher arches and more developed intrinsic and extrinsic muscles than healthy adults. Performing physical activity while barefoot on sandy beaches may effectively develop the foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and raise the arch.