Efficacy of Pilates Training on Dynamic Balance in Flexible flatfoot

Background: Flexible flat foot is a condition of foot in which the medial longitudinal arch is lowered which is visible in weight bearing foot. This condition may be asymptomatic and needs to be treated to prevent further overuse injuries. Many of the literature suggest that individuals with flexible flat foot shows imbalances in the strength of IFM like abductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis and interosseous muscles which plays major role in maintaining stability. The dynamic balance is found to be more affected in flexible flat foot which needs to be treated by strengthening the IFM. Strengthening IFM with greater efficacy can improve the dynamic balance and also have impact on foot posture of individuals with flexible flat foot. Objective: to find the effect of 2 different types of IFM strengthening on dynamic balance Material and Method: In this pre-post intervention study 40 individuals with flexible flat foot were included. They were randomly divided into 2 groups with 20 individuals in each group. Group A was instructed to perform short foot exercises and Group B was instructed to perform towel curl exercise for four weeks. After pre-post assessment, data was analysed with help of appropriate statistical methods. Results: According to result the in Group A and Group B there is significant increase in both right and left anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions with p value < 0.0001. Conclusion: Both short foot exercise and towel curl exercise are found to be equally effective in improving the dynamic balance in individuals with flexible flat foot. The impact of these exercises on foot posture needs to be taken into consideration.

Background and Aims Whole body vibration (WBV) is a safe and effective method to improve balance and muscle strength. Considering to the effect of foot longitudinal arch on dynamic balance, and the effectiveness of WBV in improving balance, the present study aims to assess the effects of WBV on dynamic balance of patients with flexible flatfoot. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with flexible flatfoot; 40 aged &lt;18 years (Mean±SD age= 15.25±1.24) and 40 aged &gt;20 (Mean±SD age= 22.57±1.48). They were randomly divided into two intervention groups of &lt;18 and &gt;20 years and two control groups of &lt;18 and &gt;20 years. The intervention groups received four weeks of WBV. In the control groups, no intervention was carried out. The fatigue was induced by running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclinations according to the Bruce protocol. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System at anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions and in overall. Results The repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni test results showed that the mean dynamic balance in overall and at anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions were significantly increased in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (P&lt;0.001). Moreover, the dynamic balance showed a significant increase in the intervention group aged &lt;18 years compared to the intervention group aged &gt;20 years (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion The WBV can be used to improve the dynamic balance of people with flexible flatfoot even in fatigue conditions.

Objective: To compare the effects of foot muscle strengthening exercises with and without elastic band to the dynamic balance function in children aged 8–12 years with flexible flatfeet. Methods: Forty-one children (aged 8–12 years) with flexible flatfeet and dynamic balance problem were randomly allocated into either the intervention or control group. Both groups received thrice weekly training for 6 weeks. The foot strengthening exercise regimens consisted of pronation, supination, short foot, and tiptoeing using elastic band for the intervention group and without elastic band for the control group. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was tested before and after 6 weeks of training. Results: A statistically significant difference of normalized SEBT scores was found for both groups in both legs (p=0.00, p<0.05). The intervention group was significantly better than the control group for both right and left legs (p=0.00, p<0.05). Conclusions: Foot muscle strengthening either with or without elastic band improves dynamic balance in children aged 8–12 years with flexible flatfeet. Exercise given with elastic band significantly shows better improvement in the dynamic balance compared to without elastic band. Keywords: Flexible flatfeet, strengthening exercises, elastic band, dynamic balance, star excursion balance test DOI: 10.15850/ijihs.v3n1.404

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effect of 6 weeks of combined exercises (CE), short foot exercise (SFE), and SFE with isometric hip abduction (IHA) on dynamic balance (DB), joint position sense (JPS), and strength in women with flexible flatfoot (FF). Methods: A total of 40 women with flexible flatfoot (FF) participated in this semi-experimental study and were randomly assigned to three groups as follows: CE (n=14), SFE (n=13), and IHA (n=13). Six weeks of exercise were split into 3 sessions under supervision and 3 sessions at home were completed by the participants. The Y balance test, goniometer, and dynamometer were used to assess DB, JPS, and strength before and after the exercises, respectively. The mixed-model repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance statistical test was used to analyze the data with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results revealed that after performing the exercises, there was a significant difference in the DB in the SFE group in two posteromedial and posterolateral directions; meanwhile, in the IHA group this difference was in three directions, while in the CE group, it was in the posterolateral direction (P&lt;0.05). After the exercises, no significant difference was observed in either group’s JPS or plantar flexors and dorsal flexors strength (P&gt;0.05). Between the groups, there was no difference in any of the other variables (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Considering that the DB changes in the IHA group were more than in the other two groups, these exercises are suggested to improve the DB in women with FF.

Background and Aims Karate is one of the most popular martial arts worldwide, and flat foot deformity is one of the most common disorders in people participating in this sport. This disorder can negatively affect the static and dynamic balance in individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercises on foot posture and balance in female karate athletes with flat foot. Methods This research was a quasi-experimental study performed in two phases: pre-test and post-test. Forty female karatekas with flexible flat foot postures entered the study as subjects. They were randomly divided into exercise group (Mean±SD age: Mean±SD 20.00±1.81 y, Mean±SD height: 161.4±6.49 cm, and Mean±SD weight: 55.27±6.56 kg) and control (Mean±SD age: 21.02±2.19 y, Mean±SD height cm: 160.4±4.23, and Mean±SD weight: 55.75±3.90 kg). As one of the inclusion criteria, a navicular drop test was performed for all subjects to assess the condition of the foot posture. Also, the balance error scoring system and Y balance tests were used for all subjects to check the static and dynamic balance. Then, the exercise group performed 6 weeks of corrective exercises, but the control group did not perform any specific exercises during this period. After 6 weeks, the tests were repeated. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software version 26. A covariance analysis test was used to evaluate the between-group differences, and paired sample t test was used to evaluate the within-group changes. Results This study’s findings showed that the corrective exercise group in thepost-test had a better performance than the pre-test in the navicular drop test, in all three directions of the Y balance test, and in the balance error scoring system (P=0.0001). But in the control group, no significant difference was observed between the two stages of the test (P&gt;0.05). It was also observed in the comparison between groups that in thepost-test in the variables of the navicular drop test and also in all three directions of the Y balance test and the test of the scoring system, the balance error scoring system of the experimental group achieved better results than the control group (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion This study showed that 6 weeks of corrective exercises has significantly improved foot posture and static and dynamic balance in karate women with flexible flat feet. According to the results obtained in this study, it seems that comprehensive corrective exercises can be used in this group to improve balance and posture.

ObjectiveFlexible flatfoot is a recognized risk factor for lower extremity injuries. This study aimed to compare changes in the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) between a strengthening exercise group (EG) and a foot orthoses group (FOG).Subjects and MethodsThirty-eight healthy participants with bilateral flexible flatfoot were randomly assigned to either the EG or the FOG (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 19 per group). The EG performed exercises five days a week. The FOG wore foot orthoses for more than five hours daily. Measurements of navicular drop, arch height index (AHI), plantar pressure, static balance, dynamic balance, and lower extremity muscle strength were taken at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks.ResultsBoth groups significantly improved in most measures at four and eight weeks compared to baseline. At eight weeks, the EG demonstrated substantially greater improvements in navicular drop (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt; = 1.542) and AHI (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt; = -1.286) when compared to the FOG. The EG also exhibited significantly greater improvements than the FOG in static balance in the anteroposterior direction (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.027, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt; = 0.517), dynamic balance in the medial (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.049, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt; = -0.460) and lateral directions (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.017, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt; = -0.562), as well as lower extremity muscle strength (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt; = -0.755 and -1.109, &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.473).ConclusionsLower-extremity exercise proved more effective than foot orthoses in enhancing the MLA and improving balance in individuals with flexible flatfoot.

Background: Balance is one of the primary requirements for both static and dynamic activities. Body MassIndex (BMI) is measurement for estimating excess body fat. The Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBTLQ) is a screening instrument that measures single-leg balance in different directions. Flexible flatfoot isthe postural aspect with depressed medial longitudinal arch, pronated subtalar joint and valgus position ofcalcaneus, evident only in weight-bearing position.Methods: An analytical correlation study with 255 participants (Purposive sampling) will be taken as perinclusion and exclusion criteria with study duration of 3 years. The BMI, sit to stand Navicular Drop Test(SSNDT), limb length and medial longitudinal arch angle (MLAA) will be measured and compared. Themean score of the Y Balance Test in different categories of BMI will be compared by performing one wayANOVA test. The mean score of the Y Balance Test between two groups in each category of BMI will becompared by Bonferroni t-test.Conclusion: The study aims the correlation of BMI with the dynamic balance on Y-balanced test in adultswith flexible flat foot. The expected outcome of study will concentrate on the significant correlation of YBalance Test in different categories of BMI.

Effects of short foot exercise with visual feedback on balance and knee joint function in subjects with flexible flatfeet

BackgroundThe Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) has been widely used to assess dynamic balance in various populations. Dynamic balance in flexible flatfoot populations is one of the risk factors for lower extremity injuries, especially in college populations in which more exercise is advocated. However, no study has demonstrated the reliability of the YBT-LQ in a college student flexible flatfoot population.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study. 30 college students with flexible flatfoot were recruited from Beijing Sports University. They have been thrice assessed for the maximal reach distance of YBT under the support of the lower limb on the flatfoot side. Test and retest were performed with an interval of 14 days. The outcome measures using the composite score and normalized maximal reach distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). The relative reliability was reported as the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), Smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) were used to report the absolute reliability.ResultsFor inter-rater reliability, the ICC values for all directions ranged from 0.84 to 0.92, SEM values ranged from 2.01 to 3.10%, SWC values ranged from 3.67 to 5.12%, and MDC95% values ranged from 5.58 to 8.60%. For test-retest reliability, the ICC values for all directions ranged from 0.81 to 0.92, SEM values ranged from 1.80 to 2.97%, SWC values ranged from 3.75 to 5.61%, and MDC95% values ranged from 4.98 to 8.24%.ConclusionsThe YBT-LQ has “good” to “excellent” inter-rater and test-retest reliability. It appears to be a reliable assessment to use with college students with flexible flatfoot.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the ID number ChiCTR2300075906 on 19/09/2023.

Changes in foot structure, particularly the presence of flatfeet, have been associated with various limitations in physical performance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between flexible flatfeet and functional movement, balance, agility, and core muscle strength in young females. Ninety-six female students between the ages of 18 and 25 voluntarily participated in this study. The navicular drop test was used to evaluate the longitudinal arch of the foot. The participants were classified into flexible flatfeet (n = 25) and normal feet (n = 71) groups. Fundamental movement evaluated by the functional movement screening test (FMS); static balance using the Sharpened-Romberg test; dynamic balance using Y-test; agility and coordination using 4 × 9-m shuttle run; endurance of the abdominal muscles and lumbar spine extensor muscles using respectively Partial curl-up and maintaining the plank position, were evaluated. The results of the independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the two groups in functional movement, abdominal muscle endurance, static balance and lumbar extensor muscle endurance variables (p ≤ 0.05). In the normal feet group, a significant correlation was found between functional movements with abdominal muscle endurance, dynamic balance and agility. The results of this study indicate that individuals with flexible flatfeet exhibited significant impairments in functional movement, core muscle strength, and balance compared to those with normal foot arches. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and appropriate interventions for individuals with flexible flatfeet to mitigate potential negative consequences on physical performance and overall health.

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of the tibialis posterior Kinesio taping and fibularis longus Kinesio taping on the foot posture, physical performance, and dynamic balance in young women with flexible flatfoot.MethodsTwenty-four subjects were recruited for the study. They were randomly divided into groups (A = 12, B = 12). In group A, Kinesio taping was applied on the tibialis posterior, and in group B, Kinesio taping was applied on the fibularis longus and remained for 30 min. Outcome measures were the navicular drop test (NDT), foot posture index (FPI), timed up and go (TUG) test, and Y-balance test. The pre- and post-treatment results were compared for each group; between-group differences were determined as well.ResultsFor group A, NDT, FPI, and TUG test changed significantly (P = 0.01, P = 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively). For group B, the FPI score decreased (P = 0.03), and the Y-balance test in the anterior direction improved significantly (P = 0.01). Any variables have not shown a significant difference between groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionKinesio taping of the tibialis posterior and fibularis longus can improve foot posture in young women with flexible flatfoot. Also, physical performance and dynamic balance improved by Kinesio taping of the tibialis posterior and the fibularis longus, respectively. In addition to the tibialis posterior, we found that the fibularis longus muscle can be considered a therapeutic target for managing flexible flatfoot in healthy young women.

Background: Dancers require good body balance to maintain and continuously change the postures. Due torepetitive foot tapping, changes are seen in the medial longitudinal arch causing flat foot in Bharatanatyam dancerswhich affects their balance and overall performance while dancing. Strengthening extrinsic and intrinsic muscles ismore effective interventions for flexible flat foot. Although foot muscle exercises for the height of MLA have beenlimited to intrinsic foot muscle strengthening without considering extrinsic foot muscle. Exercise interventionsthat comparing foot intrinsic muscle and extrinsic muscle are rare and studies of dynamic balance in relation tothe pes planus in Bharatanatyam dancers are lacking. Therefore, the present study includes a comparison of theeffects of foot intrinsic and tibialis posterior muscle training, in relation with foot arch height, dynamic balance,and performance in Bharatanatyam dancers with flexible flat foot.Objective: To compare the effects of foot intrinsic muscle and tibialis posterior muscle training on dynamic balancein Bharatanatyam dancers.Method: 30 flexible pes planus Bharatanatyam dancers were recruited and were randomized into two groups.Group A performed foot intrinsic muscle training and group B performed tibialis posterior muscle training. Allgroups received strength training for 30 minutes five times a week for six weeksResults &amp; Discussion: Statistical analysis was done using pared t test for intragroup significance and independentt test for intergroup significance. Results obtained revealed that both groups showed significant difference betweentheir pre-test and post-test values(p ≥ 0.05).However intergroup analysis showed no significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between group A (Foot intrinsic muscletraining) and group B (Tibialis posterior muscle training) in SEBT, FPI 6 and DFOS.Conclusion: Tibialis posterior muscle strengthening group is equally effective as foot intrinsic muscle strengtheningin terms of foot posture, dynamic balance and Dance function.

Introduction and objectives. A flat foot may significantly cause impairment of an individual's ability, ligamentous laxity, pronated foot, equines foot deformity, tibial torsional deformity, and the presence of the accessory navicular bone. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the short foot exercise (SFE) on foot posture (pronated foot), foot biomechanics, and dynamic balance in a patient with symptomatic flexible flat foot. Telerehabilitation has developed to refer to the provision of rehabilitation services at a distance through the use of electronic information and communication technologies. It is part of both the broader range of telemedicine activities. Material and methods. A 44-year-old male was diagnosed with right flat foot five years ago, after fracturing the lower end of his fibula which was treated with a plaster cast for 6 weeks, have trained with short foot exercise (SFE) for 4 weeks and have been assessed by navicular bone test (NBT), foot posture index (FPI), and Y-balance test (YBT) to assess foot posture and dynamic balance pre- and post-training. Results. There is an increase in dynamic balance, a decrease in measurement differences in the navicular bone test, and a change in foot position from a highly pronated foot to a normal. Conclusions. Short-foot exercises improve foot position, foot biomechanics, and dynamic balance for patients with excessively pronated feet.

Effect of foot orthoses on dynamic balance in taekwondo athletes with flexible flatfoot: A randomized controlled trial

Does Kinesio taping of tibialis posterior or peroneus longus have an immediate effect on improving foot posture, dynamic balance, and biomechanical variables in young women with flexible flatfoot?