Toe Grip Strength and Fall Prevention among Elderly: A Sport Science Approach

Fall remain as one of the leading causes on injury, disability and loss of independence among older adults worldwide, that warrant multifaceted pre- vention strategies which address both physical and functional risk factors. This pilot study explores the potential association between toe grip strength and bal- ance performance as indicators of fall risk, using sport-informed functional tasks relevant to daily movement. Four community-dwelling Malaysian older adults aged between 60 and 69 years participated in a series of static balance tests, in- cluding single-leg stances with eyes open and closed, and performed toe grip ex- ercises in both sitting and standing postures. Time duration was recorded for each task to assess lower-limb stability and toe flexor function. Preliminary results revealed notable individual differences, suggesting that stronger toe grip may contribute positively to certain aspects of lower-limb balance. These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating foot focused strength training into broader sport-based fall prevention programs aimed at improving dynamic sta- bility, proprioception, and functional mobility. Despite the small sample size, this pilot provides foundational insights for larger-scale research and underlines the importance of considering toe grip strength as a practical, trainable component within community exercise interventions for older adults at risk of falls.