(English) Episode 209-Silence the Skeptics Strengthen Your Toes

This research article investigates how an eight-week high-load forefoot strengthening program impacts the physical performance and muscle structure of highly-trained athletes. Through a randomized controlled trial, the study found that targeted exercises significantly increased metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPj) strength and the volume of the toe flexor muscles. These physical adaptations translated into improved performance in 90-degree cutting maneuvers and horizontal jumping, largely due to more efficient force transmission to the ground. Additionally, the training enhanced vertical propulsion kinetics during sprinting at maximum speeds, despite not changing overall acceleration times. The results suggest that forefoot strength is vital for explosive movements oriented horizontally or laterally and that these athletic gains can persist even after training ceases.(Tourillon R, Fourchet F, Edouard P, Morin JB. Effets d'un protocole de renforcement de l'avant-pied sur la performance lors de tâches explosives et la cinétique de propulsion chez les athlètes : un essai contrôlé randomisé en simple aveugle. PLoS One [Internet]. 2025 ; 20(6) : e0313979. Disponible sur : http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313979)