Clinical outcome of modified foot orthoses and three dimensional foot ankle exercise in young adults with flexible flat foot

This PhD study investigates the clinical effectiveness of different conservative treatment approaches for flexible flat foot (FFF) in young adults. Flexible flat foot is characterized by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch during weight-bearing, which can lead to altered gait, poor balance, and increased risk of lower-limb injuries. The study aims to compare three intervention strategies: (1) modified navicular-support foot orthoses combined with conventional foot exercises, (2) three-dimensional foot–ankle exercises combined with conventional exercises, and (3) conventional foot exercises alone. A randomized controlled trial will include 117 participants aged 18–25 years, divided equally into three groups and treated for 8 weeks. Outcomes such as Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), navicular height, rearfoot eversion angle, and static and dynamic balance will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The purpose is to determine which intervention most effectively improves foot posture, arch stability, and balance, thereby providing evidence for an optimal physiotherapy-based rehabilitation protocol for managing flexible flat foot in young adults.