Questions: c. How might strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot (such as those supporting the arch) affect the results of the navicular drop test over time? Could exercises like arch raises or towel scrunches have a measurable impact on navicular drop?

Strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot, particularly those that support the arch, can have a significant impact on the results of the navicular drop test over time. The navicular drop test measures the displacement of the navicular bone from a neutral position to a weight-bearing position, which is an indicator of the arch's stability and function.

1. Intrinsic Muscle Strengthening:

   • The intrinsic muscles of the foot, such as the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and the lumbricals, play a crucial role in maintaining the arch of the foot.
   • Strengthening these muscles can enhance the structural integrity and functional stability of the arch.

2. Impact on Navicular Drop:

   • A stronger arch, supported by well-developed intrinsic muscles, is less likely to collapse under weight-bearing conditions.
   • This reduced collapse would result in a smaller displacement of the navicular bone during the navicular drop test, indicating a more stable arch.

3. Exercises:

   • Arch Raises: These exercises involve lifting the arch of the foot while keeping the toes and heel on the ground, which targets the intrinsic muscles.
   • Towel Scrunches: This exercise involves using the toes to scrunch up a towel placed on the floor, which also strengthens the intrinsic muscles.

• Short-term: Initially, there might be minimal change in the navicular drop as the muscles begin to strengthen.
• Long-term: With consistent exercise, the intrinsic muscles will become stronger, leading to a more stable arch and a measurable reduction in the navicular drop.

Strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot through exercises like arch raises and towel scrunches can lead to a more stable arch. Over time, this increased stability can result in a reduced navicular drop, as measured by the navicular drop test. This indicates that such exercises can have a measurable and positive impact on foot arch stability.