DATASET FOR STUDY: The effect of a strengthening exercise program combined with an interdigital spacer on foot function

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using a silicone toe separator in combination with a strengthening exercise program on foot function, compared to exercise alone. The study included 25 healthy participants who were randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups. The intervention consisted of 22 exercise sessions over a 6-week period. Measurements were conducted focusing on changes in the hallux valgus angle, active and passive range of motion of the hallux and ankle, navicular drop, and postural stability during single-leg stance. The results demonstrated a statistically significant main effect of time on several outcome measures, including the hallux valgus angle (F(1,23) = 13,018, p = 0,001, η² = 0,361), active (F(1,23) = 27,524, p < 0,001, η² = 0,545) and passive (F(1,23) = 4,312, p = 0,049, η² = 0,158) hallux range of motion. A significant time ´ group interaction was observed for passive hallux range of motion (F(1, 23) = 4,723, p = 0,040, η² = 0,170). Significant effects of time were also found for ankle dorsiflexion of the left (F(1, 22) = 37,913, p < 0,001, η² = 0,633) and right foot (F(1, 23) = 23,916, p < 0,001, η² = 0,510). No statistically significant effects were observed for navicular drop. Similarly, no significant differences were found in center-of-pressure (CoP) sway velocity or area. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of targeted exercise for strengthening the foot muscles and do not show any additional benefits from the toe separator. Future research should explore the effects of combined exercise and foot orthotic use in different populations and over longer intervention periods.