Effect of Hip Muscles Strengthening on Kinematic Parameters Among University Students with Flexible Flatfeet: An RCT

Flexible flatfeet can cause the foot arch to collapse, leading to changes in lower limb biomechanics, increased Q-angle, anterior pelvic tilt, poor balance and uneven plantar pressure distribution. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate if strengthening the hip muscles—specifically the abductors, extensors, and external rotators—improves these factors in university students with flexible flatfeet.

The study includes participants aged 18 to 25 years with bilateral asymptomatic flexible flatfeet. They will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group will perform a structured hip strengthening program combined with intrinsic foot muscle exercises. The control group will perform intrinsic foot muscle exercises only.

Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. Measurements include navicular drop, Q-angle, and pelvic tilt  Balance will be assessed using the single limb stance and lower quadrant Y balance test, alongside plantar pressure distribution analysis. The findings will help determine if hip strengthening is an effective targeted rehabilitation strategy for improving lower limb alingment and balance and plantar pressure distribution in individuals with flexible flatfeet.