Effect of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Exercises on Foot Posture Index in Obese Individuals with Pes Planus

Abstract

Background: Flatfoot (pes planus) is a postural deformity in which the arch of the foot collapses. Obesity increases the stresses applied to the foot directly, via increased bodyweight, and indirectly, via alterations to foot structure. Extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles act as the main components of foot function. Foot posture index is a clinical tool used to quantify the degree to which a foot is pronated, neutral or supinated. Studies done have concluded that strengthening intrinsic muscles enhances dynamic support of MLA and foot stability. There is lack of literature on effectiveness of intrinsic exercise on flat foot in obese individuals, hence the present study is undertaken to assess and evaluate the effect of intrinsic foot muscle training on Foot Posture Index in obese individuals with pes planus. Methodology: This study was an experimental study where 30 obese patients were selected using convenient sampling. Pre and post treatment score of foot posture index was calculated. After that intrinsic foot muscle exercises and SFE were implemented on the subjects. Protocol (2times/day for 6weeks). Results: This study included 30 subjects consisting of 16 females and 14 males. Intra-group comparison of right leg and left leg foot posture index revealed that the FPI score scores were significantly reduced in obese individuals at sixth week from baseline (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Six-week short foot exercises and intrinsic foot muscle training was effective on reducing the foot pronation, pain and there was significant reduction in the FPI score in obese individuals with pes planus. Key words: SFE-Short Foot Exercises, FPI- Foot Posture Index, Pes Planus, Flat foot, Obese, Intrinsic foot muscle training.