The impact of different exercise approaches on balance in people with pes planus

Abstract

Introduction. Pes planus is caused by the extension of the intrinsic muscles in the medial arch of the foot, resulting in the arch approaching the ground or the sole of the foot touching the ground completely. The objective was to determine how exercise techniques affected patients with pes planus’ ability to balance and to recommend the appropriate exercises. Methods. In this study, 39 individuals with pes planus were allocated at random to either a stretching or stability and mobility exercise group. Star Excursion Balance Test, The Berg Balance Scale, The Functional Reach Test, and Weight Bearing Lunge, plantar flexion range of motion (ROM) assessments were performed before treatment and after treatment for a total of four weeks. Results. The results demonstrated that both groups’ balance and ROM during intragroup testing had improved (p < 0.05). Only the improvement in plantar flexion ROM in group 1 was found to be statistically higher than that in group 2 with group comparisons (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Balance and ROM values were similarly affected by both 4-week pes planus exercise programs. We contend that the static and dynamic foot kinematics were successfully rectified with both of our treatment techniques.