Changes of the gait induced by two different conservative methods applied to correct flexible flat feet in children 5 to 9 years old: foot orthoses vs foot orthoses supplemented with Zukunft-Huber manual therapy

Abstract

Study aim: A flexible flat foot (FFF), one of the most common postural deformities among children, should not be perceived as an isolated problem of static alignment of foot and ankle, but as a part of dynamic biomechanical chain of a lower extremity, pelvis, and lower back. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of two methods, used for treating FFF, on the gait pattern in children after 12 months treatment. Material and methods: 49 study participants with FFF were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention methods. One group was treated with foot orthoses (FOs), the other group with manual therapy, corrective bandaging and FOs. Results: After one year of therapy, no significant differences were observed within either group before and after treatment regarding dimensional, spatio-temporal parameters, and ground reaction forces. However, noteworthy changes emerged in hip flexion moment, ankle plantar flexion moment, and ankle power in the group treated with the combined method. In the FOs-treated group, significant changes were found in ankle plantar flexion moment and ankle power. Conclusion: The observed changes in joints’ peak moments and powers in both groups were positive changes, but the combine method seems to be more effective than wearing FOs only.