Effects of short foot exercise combined with lower extremity training on dynamic foot function in individuals with flexible flatfoot: A randomized controlled trial
Issued Date
2023-07-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09666362
eISSN
18792219
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85163498250
Journal Title
Gait and Posture
Volume
104
Start Page
109
End Page
115
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Gait and Posture Vol.104 (2023) , 109-115
Suggested Citation
Utsahachant N., Sakulsriprasert P., Sinsurin K., Jensen M.P., Sungkue S. Effects of short foot exercise combined with lower extremity training on dynamic foot function in individuals with flexible flatfoot: A randomized controlled trial. Gait and Posture Vol.104 (2023) , 109-115. 115. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.06.013 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/87863
Title
Effects of short foot exercise combined with lower extremity training on dynamic foot function in individuals with flexible flatfoot: A randomized controlled trial
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Flexible flatfoot has demonstrated biomechanical linkages between distal and proximal lower extremities. However, supporting evidence is required to investigate the benefits of short foot exercise (SF) and short foot exercise in combination with lower extremity training (SFLE) on dynamic foot function. Research question: This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6-week SF, 6-week SFLE, or control condition (no intervention) on dynamic foot function during gait in individuals with flexible flatfoot. Methods: Forty-five individuals with flexible flatfoot were randomly assigned into three conditions: (1) SF, (2) SFLE, and (3) control conditions. Participants in two intervention programs performed daily training via telerehabilitation and a home-based exercise program. Foot kinematics and center of pressure excursion index (CPEI) during the gait, intrinsic foot muscle test, and navicular drop test were assessed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention program. Results: Post-intervention participants in the SF and SFLE conditions showed a shorter time to the lowest medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and improved MLA motion during the stance phase compared with the baseline. In addition, participants in the SFLE conditions showed greater changes in CPEI than in the SF and control conditions. Improvements in intrinsic foot muscle and navicular drop tests were also observed in participants in both intervention programs post-intervention. Significance: A major finding of the study was the improvement in dynamic foot function during gait in individuals with flexible flatfoot after the six weeks of the SF and SFLE intervention programs. Both intervention programs appear to have the potential for inclusion in a corrective program for individuals with flexible flatfoot.