Effect of short foot exercises combined with functional hip abductor training on dynamic knee valgus and sprint performance in sprinters: A Randomized controlled trial

DKV is a movement pattern of the lower limb, potentially comprised of a combination of adduction and internal rotation of the femur, abduction of the knee, anterior tibial translation, external tibial rotation and ankle eversion.Sprinters are particularly prone to dynamic knee valgus (DKV) due to the high intensity nature of their sport, which involves rapid acceleration, deceleration, and forceful ground contact which can negatively impact performance and increase the risk of injuries like medial tibial stress syndrome, patellofemoral pain, and ACL injuries. Addressing DKV is essential for preventing injuries and improving performance.The intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) play a crucial role in maintaining foot posture and supporting the plantar arch during standing and walking.The Short Foot Exercise (SFE) is an effective intervention for improving postural balance, controlling excessive pronation, and enhancing ankle proprioception. By strengthening the IFM, SFE helps elevate the medial arch, improve dynamic balance, and optimize lower limb biomechanics, making it a valuable treatment for lower extremity disorders related to foot pronation.While both hip abductor strengthening and intrinsic foot muscle training independently address components of lower limb biomechanics, there is a paucity of research examining their combined effect on DKV and sprint performance in sprinters.