Noncontact of the unilateral hallux with the ground reduces forward limits of stability while standing.

The study used taping to simulate toe noncontact, which does not replicate the full pathology of conditions like hallux valgus, including pain or muscle weakness. Only the right toe was manipulated, so results may not apply to bilateral noncontact. The sample size was relatively small, and sex-related differences were not examined. Participants were healthy adults without existing foot deformities, so findings may not generalize directly to patients with severe pathology.

The authors declare no competing financial interests. The study was supported by a research grant from Toyohashi SOZO University for English editing.

Do not assume that taping the toe off the ground fully mimics the balance deficits of patients with hallux valgus or floating toes. The study simulated only the mechanical loss of contact, not the pain, weakness, or sensory loss that often accompany these conditions.