This study examines the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on foot invertor muscle strength, morphology, and the height of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) in individuals with flat feet. The rPMS will be applied non-invasively to the extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles three times per week for twelve weeks. The experimental group will receive rPMS targeting the invertor muscles of the foot, while the control group will not receive stimulation but will follow the same measurement schedule.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome will be the change in the height of the MLA, evaluated using dynamic navicular drop assessment during gait. Secondary outcomes will include changes in the isometric inversion torque of the foot invertors and morphological adaptations of the tibialis posterior muscle assessed by ultrasound imaging.
This study seeks to determine whether rPMS can improve the height of the MLA, foot invertor muscle strength and structural stability in adults with flat feet. The findings may contribute to developing new, non-invasive therapeutic approaches for improving foot function and preventing musculoskeletal imbalances related to flat foot deformity.
Age between 18 and 50 years,
functionally flat feet of participants.
Acute leg injuries,
diabetes,
vascular disorders of the lower limbs,
open wounds or skin lesions on the lower leg or foot,
Parallel
Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS)
DeviceRepetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) will be applied to the foot invertor muscles three times per week for 12 weeks. Stimulation will target the upper third of the anteromedial side of the shin, near the tibia, using an oval magnetic coil. To ensure correct coil placement, visible muscle contraction and ankle inversion will be monitored. Intrinsic foot muscles will be simultaneously stimulated using a foot stimulator, with the nondominant foot positioned on the stimulation platform. Participants will perform isometric inversion contractions during rPMS to enhance neuromuscular activation and short-foot exercises to engage local foot stabilizers.
Change in medial longitudinal arch height
Measuring dynamic navicular drop assessment during the stance phase of gait.
Change in isometric inversion torque of the stimulated foot
Measured using an special designed isometric device to assess maximal voluntary torque during foot inversion in subtalar exis.
Change in cross-sectional area of the tibialis posterior muscle
Measured using ultrasound imaging to evaluate morphological adaptations of the tibialis posterior muscle and/or other foot invertor muscles.
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University of Ljubljana
Lead sponsor
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine
Collaborator
