Daily physical activity is necessary for good quality of life among the elderly. It usually happens that with the advent of years, the extent of exercise decreases among the elderly, which could have negative effects on their health. It is very important to point out that if the health results allow it, it is never too late to begin with programmed training and physical exercise. If it is carried out under supervision, the possibility of injury is significantly reduced. The subject matter of this research are studies published from 2000 to 2016, which focused on the effects of physical activity on the balance of individuals over the age of 60. The aim of this review is the compilation of the appropriate literature on physical activity, as well as the clarification on whether there are effects of the physical activity on the balance of the elderly. This overview included 24 research papers. The results of this study confirm the positive effect of physical activity on the balance of the elderly. It has been proven that several weeks of a standardized exercise program, based on the increase in joint mobility, cardio-vascular exercise, strengthening the stability of the pelvic region, and proprioceptive exercise can improve balance skills and reduce the perception of pain. For elderly individuals with specific risk factors for falls, the recommendation is specific aquatic exercise programs which will improve balance and strengthen the lower extremities.

Flat feet (pes planus) represents one of the most frequent deformities of the lower extremities which occurs with the collapse of the physiological arches of the feet. The causes of flat feet are numerous. One of the main causes is excessive weight and obesity, problems which this review paper meant to explain by analyzing the works of authors who dealt with this problem from 2000 to 2017. The prevalence of flat feet varies depending on several factors, but all the authors agree that obesity increases the percentage of the prevalence of flat feet among children. The influence of physical activity on any changes to the status of the arches of the feet and a decrease in body weight have been the focus of very few authors. The recommendation is for this problem to be analyzed more because of the positive results that the application of physical activity has on postural status and disorders of the feet. The prevalence of flat feet differs depending on the geographical area, but also depending on age and gender.

The foot represents one of the most complicated anatomical segments of the human body. As, phylogenetically speaking, the youngest organ of “homo erectus”, the foot is subject to various disorders and deformities. Flat feet (pes planus) represent one of the most frequent deformities of the lower extremities, with a loss of the normal physiological arches. The subject matter of this research is the prevalence of flat feet among preschool children. The aim of this review paper is to identify and sum up the relevant literature on the frequency of pes planus and the factors of occurrence among preschool children. The analyzed papers have all been published in the period from 2000 to 2016. The paper implements a descriptive method. The research results indicate an increased prevalence of flat feet approximately around the age of 3, and a decrease around the age of 6. The main factor of occurrence is usually obesity, and the deformity occurs more frequently among boys. The conclusion is that by controlling body weight, daily physical activity, as well as an adequate corrective treatment, we might decrease the prevalence of flat feet and foot deformities among preschool children.