719 EP026 – The effects of Shiko, a traditional Japanese training exercise: towards the prevention of running injuries

Background Foot intrinsic muscle training (FIMT) has been reported to be effective in preventing running injuries. Shiko is a traditional Japanese training technique that appears to be effective in building leg and foot muscles and balance skills, but has never been reported. Objective To compare the effects of two types of training, FIMT and Shiko training, on muscle hypertrophy, strength, and balance skills. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting College athletes. Participants 40 college athletes (20 females and 20 males) were recruited. Interventions Over the course of a month, the athletes went through FIMT or Shiko training three times a week. Main Outcome Measurements Thickness of foot intrinsic muscles (abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, and extensor digitorum brevis) was examined with ultrasound. Center of gravity sway was analyzed using WBBSS Analysis after 30 seconds of closed-eye, one-legged standing using a balance Wii board. Results The FIMT group had significant increases in muscle thickness in three of the five muscles (abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor digiti minimi) (p=0.02, 0.02, and 0.005). In the Shiko group, two of the five muscles (abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis) (p=0.001 and 0.03) showed significant increases in muscle thickness. Toe grasp improved significantly in both the FIMT and Shiko groups (both, p=0.01). The measurement results of center of gravity sway were significantly improved only in the Shiko group (p=0.02). Conclusions Both Shiko training and FIMT showed hypertrophy of the intrinsic leg muscles. In addition, the center of gravity was improved by Shiko. Shiko may be more effective in preventing running disorders than FIMT.