Functional qualities of the intrinsic foot muscles and their corresponding evidence-based descriptions
| Functional quality | Description |
|---|---|
| Supportive of the foot arches | Diminished function of the intrinsic foot muscles leads to deleterious alterations in foot posture32 33 whereas training the intrinsic foot muscles enhances foot posture34 35 |
| Activity dependent | Intrinsic foot muscles are more active in dynamic activities such as walking compared to standing37 |
| Load dependent | As postural demands increase, such as from double to single limb stance, so does the activity of the intrinsic foot muscles36 |
| Synergistic | The intrinsic foot muscles work together as a unit to provide dynamic arch support during the propulsive phase of gait38 |
| Modulating | The intrinsic foot muscles support the foot in its role as a platform for standing and lever for propelling the body during dynamic activities28 |