Abstract Summary
The intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) modulate metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) mechanics. Carbon fiber plates in footwear can change MTPJ mechanics and running economy [1]. This study investigated whether an increase in toe-flexor muscle strength can elicit similar changes in joint mechanics and running economy to that of carbon fiber plated footwear. Participants were divided into an IFM training or control group. Toe-flexor strength, gait mechanics, and running economy were assessed three times over a ten-week period. Increased toe-flexor strength did not influence changes in gait mechanics or running economy.