The following electronic only articles are published in conjunction with this issue of BJSM (see also pages 158 and 165)

Relation between foot arch index and ankle strength in elite gymnasts: a preliminary study

S T Aydog, L Özçakar, O Tetik, et al

Background: Gymnasts usually start intensive training from early childhood. The impact of such strenuous training on the musculoskeletal system is not clear.

Objectives: To evaluate the relation between muscle strength of the ankle joint and foot structure in gymnasts.

Methods: The study population comprised 20 high level male gymnasts and 17 non-athletic healthy male controls. Arch indices were measured using a podoscope. Ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and eversion/inversion strengths were measured using a Biodex 3 dynamometer within the protocol of concentric/concentric five repetitions …