The Effect of Targeted Toe Flexor Training on Muscular Strength and Jump Performance in Adolescent Ballet Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Anna Schrefl, Andrea Schärli, Jan-Peter Goldmann et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial tested two targeted toe flexor training approaches in 49 full-time vocational ballet students (mean age 16.0 ± 1.2 years), alongside their usual dance and conditioning. Over 6.5 weeks, device-based foot resistance training increased toe flexor strength by 15% to 16% (P < .001), with gains exceeding minimal detectable change thresholds. Inclined-board single-leg heel rises produced no meaningful strength change, while controls had a small right-sided decline. Horizontal jump performance improved across groups, but between-group differences were not significant; vertical jump results showed no clear group advantage.
Key findings
- Device-based toe flexor training increased strength by 15% to 16% (P < .001), exceeding minimal detectable change thresholds.
- Inclined-board single-leg heel rises produced no meaningful toe flexor strength change; controls had a small right-sided decline (P = .046).
- Horizontal jump performance improved across groups, but between-group differences were non-significant; vertical jump outcomes showed no clear group advantage.
Why it matters
Toe flexor capacity contributes to stability and force transmission in ballet, yet usual dance and conditioning may not provide sufficient loading to maintain it. These results suggest that a specific, progressively loaded foot exercise can improve measured strength in adolescent dancers. The lack of clear between-group jump benefits means strength gains should not be assumed to translate into superior jump performance.
What to keep in mind
The intervention lasted 6.5 weeks and involved adolescent vocational ballet students, limiting conclusions about longer-term effects or other populations. Jump outcomes did not show a clear between-group advantage.