Intrinsic vs Combined Foot Muscle Strengthening for Pes Planovalgus in Preschoolers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Pes Planus
- Sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Enrollment
- 32
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Single Leg Stance Test
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 8 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Pes planovalgus is a common foot condition affecting the child population. It is characterized by the partial or complete collapse of the medial longitudinal arch with rearfoot eversion and forefoot abduction, which is associated with changes in lower extremity kinematics during dynamic activity.
The lower extremity chain includes the foot, ankle, knee, and hip joints, with the feet acting as the base of support. However, due to their small size, maintaining balance can be challenging. Any small dynamic change in the foot, as the support base, can impact overall body posture. The foot's arch, which can be pronated or supinated, affects proprioceptive input by altering joint movement, contact area, and muscle strategy for stability. Pes planovalgus, characterized by excessive subtalar pronation, lead to instability and hypermobility, requiring more neuromuscular control to maintain balance. As a result, flat feet can cause pathomechanical issues and compensatory actions in the lower extremity chain, affecting overall body balance.
The short-foot exercise is a well-known method for strengthening intrinsic foot muscles. It involves contracting these muscles to draw the first metatarsophalangeal joint toward the calcaneus, raising the medial longitudinal arch without flexing the toes. Several balance training techniques have been used to improve postural stability. Recently, the short-foot exercise, which emphasizes proper foot positioning, has gained widespread acceptance among physiotherapists.
Taking all of this into account, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of long-term short-foot exercises on balance and functional capacity in children with pes planovalgus.
Detailed Description
Voluntary children who have been diagnosed with pes planovalgus will be included in the study. Signed voluntary consent will be obtained from caregivers. Participants will be divided into two groups. Study groups will be as follows: a) Short-foot exercise, b) control.
Investigators
Aysenur Erekdag
Investigator
Bezmialem Vakif University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Presence of bilateral pes planovalgus,
- •Being between 4-7 years of age,
- •Having a body mass index within normal limits
Exclusion Criteria
- •Having high femoral anteversion, internal tibial torsion and metatarsus adductus
- •Having leg length inequality
- •Having any neurological, rheumatic, musculoskeletal, metabolic and connective tissue disease
- •Having a history of pain, deformity or surgery related to the vertebral column and lower extremities
- •Having a cognitive, mental or serious psychiatric disease
- •Having been involved in any exercise program or sports activity in the last six months
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Single Leg Stance Test
Time Frame: change from baseline balance at 2 months
It evaluates the participants' standing balance. The entire lower extremity will be positioned in full extension, while the other side will be positioned in 90 degree flexion of the lower extremity hip and knee. The time will be started when the participants' eyes are closed and the untested feet lose contact with the ground, and the time will be stopped when they put their feet back on the ground or when their body sway increases too much.
Timed-up and Go Test
Time Frame: change from baseline balance at 2 months
TUG is a measure of dynamic balance and the risk of falling. It entails individuals rising from a chair, walking a distance of 3 feet, turning, and then sitting back down.
Secondary Outcomes
- Range of Motion(2 times for 8 weeks)
- Thomas Test(2 times for 8 weeks)
- Duncan-Ely Test(2 times for 8 weeks)
- Popliteal Angle Assessment(2 times for 8 weeks)
- Navicular Drop Test (NDT)(2 times for 8 weeks)
- Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6)(2 times for 8 weeks)
- 6-minutes Walking Test(2 times for 8 weeks)