Biofeedback-Assisted Short Foot Exercises in Flexible Flatfoot

ConditionPes Planus
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-45
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa

About this trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of biofeedback-assisted short foot exercises and traditional short foot exercises in individuals with flexible pes planus. The study aims to determine whether adding biofeedback to short foot exercises leads to greater improvements in foot biomechanics, balance, and functional ability.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise improve plantar pressure distribution and foot posture more than traditional short foot exercise? Does the use of biofeedback result in greater improvements in balance and functional ability? Researchers will compare a biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise program to a traditional short foot exercise program to evaluate their effects on plantar pressure distribution, foot posture, balance, ankle range of motion, and functional outcomes.

Participants will:

Be randomly assigned to either a traditional short foot exercise group or a biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise group Participate in a supervised exercise program twice per week for 6 weeks Complete pre- and post-intervention assessments, including plantar pressure analysis, balance tests, foot posture evaluation, and self-reported functional questionnaires

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Voluntary participants aged 18 to 45 years

Diagnosis of flexible pes planus

No history of surgery, fracture, or psychiatric disorder

Disqualifiers

Diagnosis of rigid pes planus

Age younger than 18 years or older than 45 years

History of psychiatric disorder or lower extremity trauma

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Biofeedback assisted exercises

    Other intervention

    Biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise group

  • Supervised exercises

    Other intervention

    Short foot exercise only group

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: BF GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Exerc GroupActive comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire designed to assess functional limitations associated with foot and ankle conditions. It consists of two subscales: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty). The total score for each subscale is converted to a percentage, with higher scores indicating better functional ability. The FAAM has been shown to be reliable, valid, and responsive to clinical change in individuals with musculoskeletal impairments of the foot and ankle.

Time frame
Baseline
2

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire used to assess functional limitations associated with foot and ankle conditions. It consists of two subscales: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty). Total scores for each subscale are converted to percentage scores, with higher values indicating better functional performance. The FAAM has demonstrated good reliability, validity, and responsiveness to clinical change in individuals with musculoskeletal impairments of the foot and ankle.

Time frame
6 week
3

Pedobarographic Analysis

Pedobarographic analysis is an objective method used to assess plantar pressure distribution and contact area during static standing or walking. Measurements are obtained using a computerized pressure platform that records static and dynamic foot loading patterns in real time. During the assessment, participants stand or walk barefoot on the pedobarographic platform. The system measures the magnitude and distribution of plantar pressures and contact area across different regions of the foot, including the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This analysis provides quantitative data on load symmetry, pressure distribution, and medial-lateral balance, which are key indicators of foot biomechanics and medial longitudinal arch function.

Time frame
Baseline
4

Pedobarographic Analys

Pedobarographic analysis is an objective method used to assess plantar pressure distribution and contact area during static standing and walking. Measurements are obtained using a computerized pressure platform that records static and dynamic foot-loading patterns in real time. During the assessment, participants stand or walk barefoot on the pedobarographic platform. The system measures the magnitude and distribution of plantar pressures and contact area across different regions of the foot, including the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This analysis provides quantitative data on load symmetry, pressure concentration, and medial-lateral balance, which are important indicators of foot biomechanics and medial longitudinal arch function.

Time frame
6 Week

Secondary outcomes

1

Active Range of Motion

Active ankle range of motion, including plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, will be measured according to the guidelines described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a digital goniometer.

Time frame
Baseline
2

Active Range of Motion

Active ankle range of motion, including plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, will be measured in accordance with the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a digital goniometer.

Time frame
6 week
3

FPI-6 (Foot Posture Index-6)

The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate static foot posture. It consists of six observational criteria: talar head palpation, curvature above and below the lateral malleolus, calcaneal position in the frontal plane, prominence of the talonavicular joint, height and congruence of the medial longitudinal arch, and forefoot abduction/adduction. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale ranging from -2 (indicating supination) to +2 (indicating pronation), resulting in a total score ranging from -12 to +12. Lower scores indicate a more supinated foot posture, whereas higher scores indicate a more pronated foot posture. A score close to zero represents a neutral foot alignment. Interpretation of Scores * 12 to -5: Highly supinated * 4 to -1: Slightly supinated 0 to +5: Neutral * 6 to +9: Pronated * 10 to +12: Highly pronated

Time frame
6 Week
4

Navicular Drop Test

The Navicular Drop Test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the degree of medial longitudinal arch collapse by measuring the difference between non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing positions of the foot. During the test, the vertical height of the navicular tuberosity from the floor is measured in both a seated (non-weight-bearing) and a standing (weight-bearing) position using a ruler or digital caliper. The difference between these two measurements, expressed in millimeters (mm), represents the navicular drop value. A greater navicular drop value indicates increased pronation and lowering of the medial longitudinal arch, whereas smaller values suggest a more neutral or supinated foot posture. Outcome Metric Difference in navicular height (mm) between seated and standing positions Interpretation of Results \< 5 mm: Minimal or no arch drop (supinated tendency) 5-9 mm: Normal range ≥ 10 mm: Excessive pronation / flatfoot tendency

Time frame
Baseline

Other outcomes

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