Comparison of Exercise Effects in Individuals With Flatfoot

Summary

Flexible flatfoot deformity, also known as flexible pes planus, is a common pathological condition characterized by decreased medial longitudinal arch height, eversion of the calcaneus and abduction of the forefoot, especially during loading. Conservative treatments are generally considered as the first step in treatment. In conservative treatments, exercise methods are one of the most frequently used interventions. It has been reported that exercise can improve functional outcomes such as navicular drop, plantar pressure distribution, foot posture, balance, and muscle strength in adults with flexible flatfoot. Although it is known that intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises are a frequently used intervention method in foot pathologies, there is a deficiency in the literature regarding studies investigating the effect of the combination of the most basic foot intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises with different exercise interventions on targeted clinical gains. However, the effect of three-dimensional foot-ankle exercise on flat feet is unknown. Additionally, there are a limited number of studies in the literature investigating the effects of hip abductor and external rotator muscle strength training on foot posture in individuals with flat feet. The aim of this thesis study, planned in the light of this information, is to determine the effects of three-dimensional foot-ankle extension exercises and hip abductor-external rotator muscle strengthening exercise primarily on navicular drop and MLA height in individuals with flexible flat feet; Secondly, it is to examine and compare the effects of static foot posture, hip abductor/external rotator, ankle circumference and intrinsic muscle strength on the functional performance of the lower extremity (endurance, dynamic balance and single leg forward jumping performance). To our knowledge, this study will be the first randomized controlled study to examine and compare the effects of two different exercise interventions that exercise the proximal and distal regions in flatfoot rehabilitation, and the results obtained will contribute to the development of better exercise and treatment programs in this population. In individuals with flat feet, when hip abductor/external rotator strengthening exercises or 3D foot-ankle extension exercises in the PNF pattern are added to short-foot exercise, MLA structure, muscle strength and lower extremity function will be improved more, and when these exercises are combined with short-foot exercise, they are comparable to intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises alone. The investigators hypothesized that it would produce superior clinical results.

Conditions

• Flat Foot [Pes Planus] (Acquired), Unspecified Foot

Interventions

OTHER

3-dimensional foot-ankle extension exercises

In three-dimensional foot-ankle extension exercises, an elastic band will be used to create resistance to the movement and the intensity/severity of the exercise will be between 13 (somewhat difficult) and 15 (difficult) according to the perceived difficulty level on the Borg scale. Exercises will begin with red (light) tape; Progression will be achieved by moving to a higher level band color \[green (medium) and blue (difficult) in that order\] every two weeks. Exercises will be performed 3 days a week (2 days supervised, 1 day at home), in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, and a 1-minute rest period will be given between sets to reduce fatigue. Short-foot exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 15 repetitions, with a 45-second rest period between sets, every day a week (2 days/week with a physiotherapist; 5 days/week at home) for 6 weeks.

OTHER

Clam exercise

In three-dimensional foot-ankle extension exercises and clam exercise, an elastic band will be used to create resistance to the movement and the intensity/severity of the exercise will be between 13 (somewhat difficult) and 15 (difficult) according to the perceived difficulty level on the Borg scale. Exercises will begin with red (light) tape; Progression will be achieved by moving to a higher level band color \[green (medium) and blue (difficult) in that order\] every two weeks. Exercises will be performed 3 days a week (2 days supervised, 1 day at home), in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, and a 1-minute rest period will be given between sets to reduce fatigue. Short-foot exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 15 repetitions, with a 45-second rest period between sets, every day a week (2 days/week with a physiotherapist; 5 days/week at home) for 6 weeks.

OTHER

Short-foot exercise

In clam exercise, an elastic band will be used to create resistance to the movement and the intensity/severity of the exercise will be between 13 (somewhat difficult) and 15 (difficult) according to the perceived difficulty level on the Borg scale. Exercises will begin with red (light) tape; Progression will be achieved by moving to a higher level band color \[green (medium) and blue (difficult) in that order\] every two weeks. Exercises will be performed 3 days a week (2 days supervised, 1 day at home), in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, and a 1-minute rest period will be given between sets to reduce fatigue. Short-foot exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 15 repetitions, with a 45-second rest period between sets, every day a week (2 days/week with a physiotherapist; 5 days/week at home) for 6 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mustafa Kemal University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-02-21

Primary Completion

2024-03-31

Completion

2024-05-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations