Effects of Silicone Insoles Combined with Different Exercise Methods in Individuals with Flexible Pes Planus

Abstract

Purpose : Presence of a pes planus foot deformity negatively affects the balance of the individual, revealing disturbances and different balance strategies. In this situation, the training of intrinsic muscles is of great importance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of intrinsic strengthening and dynamic balance exercises in participants having flexible pes planus.Methods: Forty-five participants with pes planus aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled in the study, and the first group underwent intrinsic foot muscle strengthening training with short foot exercises (SFE) and used insoles. The second group trained using the dynamic balance board, which promotes dynamic balance and used insoles. The third group used only insoles. The total duration of treatment was 8weeks/3days. The degree of foot deformity was assessed with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) angle, measurements of subtalar angle. Navicular drop test was assessed with foot pronation level. Foot posture assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI) Static balance was assessed with the Flamingo Balance Test and dynamic balance was assessed using the BOBO Health Platform with Gaming®, a technology-based system designed to measure dynamic postural control.Results: After the intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in the medial longitudinal arch angle and foot posture index scores in Group 1. SFE were found to improve foot arch, subtalar angle, navicular level, and foot posture index scores, as well as static and dynamic balance(p≤0.05). No significant changes were observed in the medial longitudinal arch, foot posture index, or balance parameters with the use of silicone insoles alone (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The use of silicone insoles in addition to exercise therapy in the management of flexible pes planus improves balance and foot posture.