Foot Arch Research Articles

THE ASSOSIATION BETWEEN PROGRESSION OF FLAT FOOT AND KNEE DEFORMITY IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS -A STUDY WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL UPRIGHT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY-

Purpose: To describe the relationship between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the medial longitudinal arch of the foot using radiographs and 320-row upright computed tomography (CT) both in healthy adult volunteers and patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Lining cracking mechanism of old highway tunnels caused by drainage system deterioration: A case study of Liwaiao Tunnel, Ningbo, China

The drainage system deterioration is one of the important factors leading to cracking of lining structure. This paper first investigates crack patterns and water leakage through field investigations, and then reproduces the drainage system deterioration process of the tunnels and analyzes the failure mechanism of the linings by utilizing a series of fracture-based numerical models. Results reveal that the longitudinal cracks are the main cracking patterns, followed by circumferential cracks. Furthermore, lining cracks are the weak points of the lining structure and are closely related to water leakage. The deterioration of the drainage system leads to an increase in water pressure acting on the secondary lining, which leads to severe stress concentrations and cracking in the lining structure, respectively at the arch shoulder, the middle of the sidewall, and the arch foot. Finally, the paper explores the applicability of siphon drainage pipes to the treatment of water leakage. Some suggestions are also made for the prevention of water leakage in tunnel linings.

Distribution of cracks in an anchored cavern under blast load based on cohesive elements

To explore the distribution of cracks in anchored caverns under the blast load, cohesive elements with zero thickness were employed to simulate crack propagation through numerical analysis based on a similar model test. Furthermore, the crack propagation process in anchored caverns under top explosion was analyzed. The crack propagation modes and distributions in anchored caverns with different dip angles fractures in the vault were thoroughly discussed. With the propagation of the explosive stress waves, cracks successively occur at the arch foot, the floor of the anchored caverns, and the boundary of the anchored zone of the vault. Tensile cracks are preliminarily found in rocks that surround the caverns. In the scenario of a pre-fabricated fracture in the upper part of the vault, the number of cracks at the boundary of the anchored zone of the vault first decreases then increases with the increasing dip angle of the pre-fabricated fracture. When the dip angle of the pre-fabricated fracture is 45°, the fewest cracks occur at the boundary of the anchored zone. The wing cracks deflected to the vault are formed at the tip of the pre-fabricated fracture, around which are synchronous formed tensile and shear cracks. Under top explosion, the peak displacement and the peak particle velocity in surrounding rocks of anchored caverns both reach their maximum values at the vault, successively followed by the sidewall and the floor. In addition, with the different dip angles of the pre-fabricated fracture, asymmetry could be found between the peak displacement and the peak particle velocity. The vault displacement of anchored caverns is mainly attributed to tensile cracks at the boundary of the anchored zone, which are generated due to the tensile waves reflected from the free face of the vault. When a fracture occurs in the vault, the peak displacement of the vault gradually decreases while the residual displacement increases.

MUSCLE-MOTOR DISORDERS IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Resume. Objective. Conduct a systematic analysis of the results of domestic and foreign clinical studies on changes in the functions of the musculoskeletal system of a pregnant woman and, based on our own research, study the relationship between pregnancy and disorders of the musculoskeletal system in women. Methods. The study included a survey conducted among 102 women during pregnancy and 18 women in the postpartum period. The following parameters were also determined: body weight before pregnancy and at the moment, woman's height glucose and blood pressure levels, hemoglobin values. the length and width of the foot, the range of motion in the joints of the limbs of pregnant women were measured in order to identify signs of joint hypermobility. All measurements of the foot were made using a stopometer and caliper with the calculation of the podometry index. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 program. Results. During pregnancy, women are concerned about pain of various localization: in the back, neck, legs, spasms of the muscles of the legs. There is a change in anthropometric parameters and the index of podometry, in particular, an increase in the foot by 1-2 sizes, due to a decrease in the arches of the feet under the influence of hormonal changes, with the development or progression of the existing combined flat feet. In pregnant women using insoles, the absence of flattening of the arches of the feet and a decrease in pain in the spine and extremities are determined. Conclusion. The analysis confirmed that women during pregnancy are at high risk of developing disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The results of the study showed that changes in the arches of the foot lead to abnormal kinematics of the joints of the lower limb and spine during pregnancy and, if not corrected, persist in the postpartum period.

Support system of Lisfranc joint complex: An anatomical investigation with an evolutionary perspective

BackgroundThe anatomical arrangement of the Lisfranc joint between the midfoot and forefoot is complex and not just critical for bipedal gait but also for prevention, management, and rehabilitation of injuries in this region. Material and methodsIn forty adult cadaveric lower limbs, the Lisfranc mortise, the ligaments and supports were observed and noted. ResultsThe structural arrangement that accords stability to the joint has osseous, ligamentous, and tendinous components. A bony mortise, which is deep medially, disrupts the linearity of the joint line. An extensive Lisfranc ligament with confluent interosseous and plantar parts was observed. Tibialis posterior, peroneus Longus and Lisfranc ligament exhibit a unique anatomical arrangement that supports the joint inferiorly. ConclusionThe study documents a unique lattice of tendons and ligament offering dynamic support to the joint. Demands of assumption of erect posture and bipedal walking in humans like adduction of the first ray of the foot, maintenance of longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot and ability stiffen midfoot for efficient forefoot take-off are well reflected in the joint structure and supports.

The state of the feet in younger schoolchildren in the conditions of an innovative form of education

Introduction. The foot is the foundation of health, performing essential functions for ensuring human life. The foot’s disorders and deformities significantly limit the body’s capabilities and reduce the quality of life, starting from childhood. A necessary condition for prevention is the assessment and control of the feet, including educational activities. The importance of such studies increases with hygienic studies of innovative forms of education. Materials and methods. The study involved 220 7-9 year children (104 boys and 116 girls), studying in an innovative form of education that implements the mode of dynamic postures sitting at a table and standing at a desk. Plantographic studies were carried out using a copy print of the trace “Bauerfiend” (Germany). For the analysis of plantograms, the Striter method was used. Various symmetrical (two-sided) and asymmetric (one-sided) combinations of right and left foot states were evaluated (11 variants in total). Results. The features of the prevalence of symmetrical and asymmetric forms of states of the longitudinal arch of the foot in students aged 7-9 years are determined. Symmetrical forms of foot conditions were found in 64.1% of children, asymmetric-in 35.9 %. The prevalence of normal bilateral arch of the foot was observed in only 28.6 % of children, flat feet-in 13.2 %, flattening-in 17.3%, elevated arch-in 4.1 %, hollow foot-in 0.9 % of children. In the course of training from the 1st to the 3rd grade in dynamic poses, positive dynamics of the feet states was noted 1.8 times more often than unfavourable. The features of the dynamics of the state of the feet were revealed: the frequency of flat feet did not change, the increased arch of the right foot decreased by 3.5 times, the left - by 11 times; the flattening of the right foot increased by 1.6 times, the left foot - by 1.8 times. It is pointed out that it is necessary to identify asymmetric states of the feet that have a prognostic value in the formation of disorders of the musculoskeletal system in children, including in educational activities. Limitations. The criteria for inclusion of children in the study were the age from 7 to 9 years and the absence of acute diseases at the examination. Conclusion. The obtained data should be considered when conducting and analyzing the results of foot examinations in the process of preventive medical examinations of the child population.

Influence of Arch Foot Defect of Primary Support on Mechanical Behaviors of an Arch Frame in Underground Tunnels

During the blasting excavation of the large-span tunnels, the instability of the blasting caused the overexcavation phenomenon, making the grille arch difficult to land completely in the primary support of the tunnel, thus forming an arch foot defect. In order to reduce the security issues of tunnel engineering construction and scientifically evaluate the influence of arch foot defects on the force performance of the overall structure of the arch frame, combining the Qingdao Metro long-span hard rock tunnel project, this paper designs two grille arch test sections with arch foot defects and one conventional section to carry out field tests. Combining with FLAC3D numerical simulation, the results of the study were used for analyzing the stress characteristics of arch foot defect grille arch in the primary support of the tunnel. The results indicated that (1) the arch foot of conventional section arch frame is subjected to the force transferred from the upper part and the deformation pressure of surrounding rock within the arch foot range, and the upper transfer force borne by the arch foot mainly comes from the deformation of arch waist. (2) When the arch frame has arch foot defects, the deformation of surrounding rock at the arch foot and the deformation transferred from the upper part mainly depend on the shotcrete, thus resulting in the increase of shotcrete strain. (3) Anchoring bolt and shotcrete can integrate the grid arch with the surrounding rock, thus bearing local loads in the arch crown, arch waist, and shotcrete. (4) The numerical calculation of arch frame with arch crown, arch waist, and arch foot defects claims that the force reduction of the arch frame caused by the arch foot defect was the most obvious, and the calculation results were consistent with the actual project.

Comparison of Leg Muscle Activity During Level and Uphill Walking in Individuals with Flat Foot and Normal Foot: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction. Arches of the foot play a significant role in lower limb function and impairments in the arches are correlated to increased injury risk. The aim of this study was to identify the difference in muscles activity in individuals with a flat foot as compared to those with normal foot arch using surface electromyography (sEMG) while walking on at different speeds and gradients (slope of the treadmill). Material and Methods. Sixty healthy subjects were recruited by convenience sampling method and equally divided into two groups: short arch group (n = 30) and normal arch group (n = 30) by measuring arch height. All the subjects were made to walk on a treadmill at varying speeds (2.7, 4.5, and 6.3 km/h) and gradients (0%, 3%, 6% and 9%). The sEMG activity was recorded for medial gastrocnemius (GM) muscle and peroneus longus (PL) muscle while walking on the treadmill. Results. 2 x 3 x 4 split-plot ANOVA revealed a significant group effect for GM activity (p < 0.001), whereas PL activity was not able to show a significant group effect (p = 0.109). Increasing speeds led to a significant difference in the sEMG activity of PL and GM muscles (p < 0.001) in the two groups. Increasing gradient of treadmill also showed a significant difference in the sEMG activity in the two groups for PL and GM muscle (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The findings of this study demonstrated that subjects with flat feet had a lesser activation in PL muscles as compared to subjects with normal foot curvature. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate strategies to improve the strength of these muscles to improve the arches of the foot.

Unexpected Bullae in a 12-year-old Boy

Unexpected Bullae in a 12-year-old Boy

Characteristics and Evolution of Tunnel Collapse in Fully-Weathered Coastal Red Sandstone Strata

Xu, H.; Shao, Z.; Chen, C.; Wang, Z.; Cai, L.; Li, Z., and Huang, C., 2022. Characteristics and evolution of tunnel collapse in fully-weathered coastal red sandstone strata. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(2), 289–301. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Understanding characteristics of tunnel collapse and its evolution is the premise of effective prevention and control. Fully-weathered coastal red sandstone is widely distributed in coastal areas, and the characteristics of tunnel collapse under this stratum are not clear. This paper studies characteristics of tunnel collapse and its evolution by conducting a model test of tunnel excavation in fully-weathered coastal red sandstone with digital image processing, where the whole process of rock mass failure, displacement, and strain variations are studied. The results show that: (1) the instability failure of the fully-weathered coastal red sandstone rock mass is a progressive process under the load. Three major collapses occur consecutively, where the first and the second start at the arch foot and arch waist, respectively; both manifested as cracks developing upward to the middle until the cracks penetrate. The third is mainly manifested as the collapse of rock mass block above the tunnel crown. (2) The displacement and shear strain around the tunnel increase first with the load and then stabilize. The vertical displacement is more significant than the horizontal displacement. Tunnel crown is where the vertical displacement increases the fastest and accumulates the most, which directly threatens the rock mass stability and thus deserves special attention. The arch waist has the most intense change of shear strain. (3) All three collapses end up forming a stable balanced arch. The three collapses show the evolution that the foot of the balanced arch gradually moves horizontally outward, and the height of the balanced arch gradually expands upward. The shape of the balanced arch can be well fitted by a parabolic function. Practical suggestions on tunnel collapse prevention and control of fully-weathered coastal red sandstone are also put forward.

Сравнение результатов восстановления передней крестообразной связки коленного сустава с использованием аутотрансплантата из сухожилия длинной малоберцовой мышцы и из связки надколенника с двумя костными блоками

Introduction Growing knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics and kinematics of the knee are prompting the search for new surgical techniques and new ACL grafts. Purpose Evaluation of the medium-term results of primary arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee using peroneus longus tendon autograft and comparing the results with the control group of patients who underwent primary arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using patellar tendon autograft with two bone blocks. Materials and methods 108 patients were operated on in 2017-2018. They were divided into two groups. 55 patients underwent reconstruction of ACL using peroneus longus ligament autograft – group 1 (study group). 53 patients underwent reconstruction of ACL using patella tendon autograft – group 2 (control group). Evaluation of the knee joint function was based on clinical examination, medical history, results of functional tests, MRI results, on the data of instrumental diagnostic methods (CT‑1000) after the surgical treatment, patient responses when filling out scales before surgery and two years after the surgery (Tegner Lysholm, IKDC). Additionally, the patients of the study group underwent a study on a plantograph before surgery and 24 months after it. Postoperative evaluation was also performed using the AOFAS scale. Results In group 1, the average score on the Tegner Lysholm scale before surgery was 69.2 ± 10.7 points, after surgery – 92.2 ± 10.4 points; on the IKDC scale before surgery – 68.2 ± 10.6 %, after surgery – 90.1 ± 9.5 %. KT-1000 – 3.7 ± 1.4 mm, AOSAF – 95.3 ± 7.5 %. An autograft rupture within 2 years after the surgery was detected in 4 out of 50 patients, which amounted to 8 %. Measurements on the PKS-01 plantograph 24 months after the operation did not reveal changes in the arch of the foot. In group 2, the average score on the Tegner Lysholm scale before surgery was 70.2 ± 11.6 points, after surgery it was 94.3 ± 8.7 points. The mean value on the IKDC scale before surgery was 68.6 ± 8.7 %, after surgery it was 91.5 ± 8.2 %. KT-1000 – 3.4 ± 1.2 mm. Autograft rupture within 2 years after the surgery was detected in 3 out of 50 patients, which amounted to 6 %. Conclusion The results of the operations performed in the two groups can be assessed as good, no statistically significant differences were found, which indicates that the peroneus longus tendon autograft is an alternative option for primary ACL repair.

Foot morphology influences the change in arch index between standing and walking conditions.

Human foot morphology has been of interest to anatomists, clinicians, and paleontologists for a century due to its importance in bipedal walking. Foot shape changes as forces move through it from the body to the substrate. Although the arch of the foot has been extensively evaluated, the role of foot morphology in the change of the arch height in walking is less explored. To remedy this lacuna, the Arch Indices (AIs) of the left and right feet of 77 people were calculated in double and single stance standing and walking (dynamic) conditions. The feet were categorized into clinical foot types (cavus, normal, planus). The change in static AI between double and single stance was used to predict dynamic AI and the difference between predicted and observed dynamic AI was examined. As expected, AIs increased (i.e., arch height decreased) with increasing load on the foot for the entire sample and each foot type (p's>.001), but the ability of change in static AIs to predict dynamic AI varied among foot types, implicating the possibility of variability in foot mechanics among foot types. While planus feet change stiffness during walking, presumably due to muscular action, cavus feet are more variable in their response to load. Static and dynamic AIs are effective in reflecting the changes in foot stiffness that occur in walking and future work should examine the role of extrinsic muscle activation in this stiffness change.

Concurrent evidence from ichnology and anatomy: the scelidotheriine ground sloths (Xenarthra, Folivora) from the Pleistocene of Argentina

ABSTRACT In the fossil record of South America, both ground sloths and their tracks are well known. However, most tracks described were assignable to megatherians and mylodontids, while tracks assignable to scelidotheriines show a very scarce record. In this contribution, we present new records of fossil tracks assignable to scelidotheriines and review and expand the original description of the ichnotaxon Acugnaichnum dorregoensis. In addition, we explored the correlation between track features and limb morphology, finding that the tracks can help to better understand the posture and function of scelidotheriine limbs. Features of the handprint suggest that these ground sloths would not rest hands in the substrate by its palmar aspect, but on the knuckles or its lateral aspect, similar to the extant giant and lesser anteaters. Concerning the foot tracks, their features indicate that digits V and IV rested on the substrate in a different orientation than the digit III, whose large ungual phalanx provided additional support by resting of its lateral side, which is biomechanically coherent with the stability of the foot. In addition, some kind of soft tissue cushion would be present below the main arch of the foot. Evidence for locomotion style and bipedalism is discussed.

Effect of Longitudinal and Transverse Foot Arch on the Position of the Hallux and Fifth Toe in Preschool Children in the Light of Regression Analysis.

The aim of the study was to analyze the development of foot structure and the impact of longitudinal and transverse arching of the foot on the position of the hallux and fifth toe in preschool children. The study was carried out among 200 children aged 6 (100 G, 100 B). The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The collected research results were analyzed with the use of the Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-square test and regression analysis. A statistically significant influence of the heel angle on the value of the varus angle of the fifth toe of the right (girls: p = 0.032; boys: p = 0.001) and left foot (girls: p = 0.004; boys: p = 0.005) was found. Boys’ feet are longer and wider than girls’ feet; moreover, they have a lower longitudinal arch. The frequency of longitudinal and transverse arch deformities of the feet, as well as valgus of the hallux and varus of the fifth toe do not depend on gender. In both sexes, decreasing the transverse arch of the foot has an influence on the severity of varus of the fifth toe. Changes in the height of the longitudinal foot arch does not affect the position of the hallux and fifth toe.

Effect of Excavation Blasting in the Arch Cover Method on Adjacent Existing Pipelines in a Subway Station

The dynamic responses of existing pipelines are of great significance to be studied in blasting excavation in the arch cover method. In this paper, the Shi Kui Subway Station Line 5 in Dalian, China, is selected as a case study. A 3D numerical simulation model is established to analyze the dynamics characteristics of the existing pipelines subjected to blasting vibration, with a triangular pattern describing the blast hole pressure. The numerical simulation is verified by comparing the existing pipelines’ PPVs of the numerical model and field monitored points. Then, the dynamic responses of the pilot tunnels, existing pipelines, and secondary lining are discussed. The effects of the later pilot tunnel on the earlier pilot tunnel are remarkable when the relative distance between them is small. Extensive blasting areas and many charges will result in large peak velocities of the existing pipelines in a short time, as well as a decreased distance from the pilot tunnels. However, the hollow effect can change these dynamic characteristics. The implementation of a secondary lining can reduce the existing pipelines’ dynamic responses when the lower rock is blasted. The most adverse position of the secondary lining is the arch foot rather than the arch crown and arch waist; thus, blasting should be carried out at a suitable age for the concrete to ensure the safety of the structures and pipelines.

The Influence of the Shoe over the Medial Foot Arch and the Lower Limbs Kinematics in Toddlers.

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot and the kinematic parameters of the lower limbs with biomimetic footwear (BF) and non-biomimetic (NB1, NB2, NB3 and NB4) footwear in children at the beginning of the gait acquisition phase. Methods Four toddlers were evaluated at the beginning of the gait acquisition phase under the following conditions: walking barefoot, ambulation with BF and NB1, NB2, NB3 and NB4 footwear in hard floor. BF is described as biomimetic because of its property of emulating natural and irregular floors through a dynamic internal insole. The MLA and kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle during gait were evaluated by three-dimensional motion analysis system. The similarity between the kinematic curves of barefoot and footwear conditions was analyzed by root mean square error (RMSE). Results The use of BF presented the highest magnitude of MLA and the greatest difference in relation to barefoot condition (higher RMSE). The BF showed less difference in the kinematics of the knee and ankle joints during gait when compared to barefoot condition (lower RMSE). NB2 footwear presented hip kinematics more similar to barefoot condition (lower RMSE). Conclusion Biomimetics footwear and NB2 shoes (both with wider forefoot region) generated smaller differences in lower limbs compared to barefoot. In addition, the MLA was higher in the BF, probably because different design from other shoes.

The management of mirror foot polydactyly: A case report.

BackgroundMirror foot or mirror image duplication of the foot is an extreme form and very rare congenital anomaly. There are limited management recommendations, and most cases are treated before walking age. We present the clinical findings, surgical treatment, and results of a rare case of mirror foot polydactyly.Case presentationA five-month-old girl with bilateral mirror foot was referred to our orthopaedic department. She was born full-term by the caesarian section and there was no family history of similar skeletal abnormalities and no history of drug or radiation exposure during gestation. The child had eight toes on the right foot and seven toes on the left with fully developed metatarsal, proximal, middle, and distal phalanges. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of mirror foot with a full complement of normal lateral toes and three additional complete rays medial to the right foot and two additional complete rays medial to the left foot. The patient underwent ray resection and concurrent reconstruction of the medial arch of the foot. A medial longitudinal incision was used to excised the right medial three rays and left medial two rays. The target of this surgical intervention was for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons and enabling the patient to allow shoe wear.ConclusionMirror-foot abnormalities are distinctly uncommon entities and represent extreme forms of congenital duplication of the preaxial polydactyly spectrum. Treatment on age of five-month-old with medial longitudinal incision had a satisfying clinical and radiological results.

Deformation properties of arched glass fiber reinforced plastics structure under static load: Considering the soil cover and rise-span ratio

In this study, the load level, soil cover height, rise-span ratio, and arch foot constraint state were utilized to explore the mechanical properties of buried arch glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) structures. Through the indoor scale-down test, the stress and deformation of arched GFRP structures under different load and soil cover height were investigated. Additionally, through the three-dimensional finite element method, the influence of the rise-span ratio and the constraint state of arch foot on the mechanical properties were obtained. The results indicate the new buried composite arch structure has excellent bearing capacity for the possible traffic load. Simultaneously, the semi-elliptical arch structure was believed to outperform the semi-circular arch structure when considering the external load. Specifically, increasing the soil cover height and reducing rise-span ratio were found to achieve the load-reduction effect.

Failure analysis and treatments of a loess tunnel being constructed in ground fissure area

Tunnelling in ground fissure areas is prone to collapse even with reasonable reinforcement. Based on the collapse of a tunnel in Xi'an Metro Line 3 near a ground fissure, potential causes and corresponding mechanisms were analysed. Preliminary in-situ investigation indicates that the hydraulic erosion induced loose pressure and crack-rich soil below the unclosed initial support were mainly attributed to be the triggering force of the collapse. Compared with the two common failure modes in tunnels, this collapse is of unique characteristics, showing that special attention to the arch feet is required in similar strata. The collapse mechanisms were subsequently analysed in aspects of geology, soil meso-features and construction. In addition, The failure process was simulated based on discrete element method in MatDEM and stress chains have been observed, showing results consistent with the above analysis. To prevent a secondary disaster, necessary appropriate remedies with considerable resources were implemented at three sites: the tunnel, portal and surface. Combined with the monitoring data during the treatment, their effects and shortcomings were discussed. The result facilitates prevention and treatment of collapse induced by underground tunnelling near ground fissures.

Short-term Effects of Using Arch Supporting Insoles on Balance and Symptoms of Flexible Flat Foot in Children

Background and Aims One of the treatment methods for Pediatric Flexible Flat Foot (PFFF) is to use medical insoles. The current study aimed to investigate the Short-term effects of arch supporting insoles on balance and symptoms of flexible flat foot in children. Methods Twenty children aged 6-11 years with a flexible flatfoot complication were purposefully selected after applying Inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to two intervention (n=10) and control groups (n=10). The intervention group used insoles supporting the longitudinal arch of the foot in their shoes for 12 weeks, but the control group did not use them. To measure the balance and symptoms of flexible flat foot in children, a sensory organization test of dynamic posturography apparatus, medial longitudinal arch height, and footprint were used in the pre-posttest. The intervention group used insoles supporting the longitudinal arch of the foot in their shoes for 12 weeks, but the control group did not. Data analysis was performed in two descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (covariance analysis) sections using SPSS software v. 25 at a significance level of α<0.05. Results The results showed that short-term use of medical insoles led to improved balance in conditions of normal vision and fixed support (P=0.047), absent vision and fixed support (P=0.1010), sway referenced vision and fixed support (P=0.004), normal vision and fixed support (P=0.004), absent vision and sway referenced support (P=0.001) and sway referenced vision and sway referenced support (P=0.001). The results also showed that medical insoles improved the medial longitudinal arch of the foot (P=0.001) and footprint (P=0.001). Conclusion According to the results of the present study, educators and parents of children with flexible flat foot are advised to use supportive medical insoles to improve children’s motor function, balance, and symptoms of flexible flat foot.