Disabled throwing shoulder/elbow players have high rates of impaired foot function.

Abstract

The prevalence of impaired foot function and floating toes of 91 baseball players with disabled throwing shoulder or elbow were retrospectively investigated. Foot function was evaluated by foot "rock paper scissors" and floating toes were confirmed if none of the toes made contact with the mat in standing posture. The prevalence of impaired foot function and floating toes and the relationship between between them were determined. Abnormal foot function was observed in 83 players (91%); of those, 73 players (88%) also had floating toes, and the prevalence was statistically significant compared to those without it (12%) (P < 0.001). Floating toes were observed in 74 players (81%); of those, 73 players (99%) had impaired foot function, and the prevalence was also statistically significant compared to those without them (59%) (P < 0.001). Baseball players with disabled throwing shoulder or elbow have high rates of impaired foot function and floating toes.