Enhancing Athletes' Foot Stability: A Comparative Analysis of Gluteus Maximus and Gluteus Medius Muscle Strengthening Effects on Navicular Drop, Balance, and Foot Posture Index in Over-Pronated Foot

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of gluteus maximus versus gluteus medius muscle strengthening exercises on the navicular drop (ND), balance, and foot posture index (FPI 6) among athletes with over-pronated feet. 
 Methods: A pre-post experimental study design with a total of 54 athletes with bilateral over-pronated feet were randomly assigned into group A (n=18), group B (n=18), and group C (n=18). Medial longitudinal arch height (MLA) was assessed with the Navicular Drop Test, the static and dynamic balance was determined with the stork stance test (SST) and modified Star Excursion Balance Test, and Foot Posture was assessed with Foot Posture Index 6. ANOVA one-way was used to analyze the effects of exercise type. 
 Results: At 4 weeks, the gluteus medius along with short foot exercises (group B) showed significantly less ND, FPI 6 while showing greater SST and modifiedSEBT than the gluteus maximus muscle strengthening along with short foot exercises (group A) and control group (group C). 
 Conclusion: These results suggest that the addition of gluteus medius muscle strengthening exercises to short foot exercises (SFE) was more effective in supporting the medial longitudinal arch and improving balance than performing SFE alone.