Do floating toes relate with the ability to perform the deep squat test among baseball players with throwing injury?

Abstract

Relationship between ability to perform the deep squat test (DST) and floating toes among baseball players with disabled throwing shoulder/elbow was retrospectively investigated. Players performed the DST by fully squatting while having their arms crossed in front of their chest without lifting the heel off the floor or falling backwards. Floating toes were evaluated if all the toes were in contact with the mat or not. The relationship between ability to perform the DST and prevalence of floating toes was statistically analysed. Sixty-three players (69.2%) were unable to perform the DST. Floating toes were observed in 74 players (81.3%). Players with inability to perform the DST had significantly higher prevalence of floating toes (58 players, 92.1%), compared with those who were able to perform the test (16 players, 57.1%) (p < 0.001). Floating toes may relate with inability to perform the DST among baseball players with disabled throwing shoulder/elbow.