Effect of Core Stability Exercises in Individuals With Bilateral Flexible Flat Foot

Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Medial Longitudinal Arch Height and Balance in Individuals With Bilateral Flexible Flat Foot

There is a gap of literature about the role of core stability exercises on management of flexible flatfoot, as a result this study will take a deeper look on the effect of core stability exercises on navicular height, Arch height index, balance and disability function of ankle joint in individuals with bilateral flexible flat foot.

It was proved that Individuals with flexible flat foot have reduced core stability. Thus, core stability must be assessed while treating individuals with flexible flat foot and interventions that address core stability must be included in the treatment of flexible flat foot . It was demonstrated that there was a poorer balance in individual with bilateral flexible flat foot. Therefore, it is recommended to add balance training exercises to traditional physical therapy program in cases of flatfoot patients .

40 Participants of both genders with bilateral flexible flatfoot. will be assigned randomly into 2 equal groups: Group A (control group): will receive conventional therapy. Group B (Experimental group): will receive core training protocol and conventional therapy. Subjects will receive 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks.

Outcome measures:

1. Navicular height: will be evaluated by navicular drop test.
2. Medial longitudinal arch height: will be evaluated by Arch height index (AHI).
3. Balance: will be evaluated by Biodex Balance System.
4. Disability function of ankle joint: will be evaluated by Arabic version of foot function index scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 40 Participants of both genders with bilateral flexible flatfoot.
2. Their age ranges from 18 to 39 years.
3. All Participants with a navicular drop (ND) greater than 10 mm.
4. Body mass index from 18.5-25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Traumatic condition of the lower limbs.
2. History of Fracture of the lower limbs.
3. previous orthopedic disorders or neurologic deficit of the lower limbs.
4. Previous surgery of the lower limbs.
5. Any sensory problems.
6. Leg length discrepancy.
7. Neuromuscular disease like multiple scelerosis.
8. Unilateral flexible flat foot.
9. Rigid flat foot.
10. Any lumbar spine problems