Strengthening of the Peroneus Longus Muscle in Patients With Dorsiflexed First Ray

BACKGROUND: The first metatarsal and medial cuneiform form an important functional unit in the foot called "first ray". The first ray normal function requires that it load part of the body weight in the last period of the stance phase of gait. A dorsiflexed first ray may exist due to abnormal function of the peroneus longus muscle. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement in first ray function in tha push-off phase of gait after a 4-week strengthening programme for the peroneus longus. SUBJECTS: Patients with flexible dorsiflexed first ray. INTERVENTIONS: Patients will be randomly assigned to either group A, which will receive instructions for a strengthening programme of the peroneus longus muscle, or group B, which will receive no treatment. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcomes will be mean and maximum plantar pressure under the first metatarsal head.