The effects of short foot exercises to treat flat foot deformity: A systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies on the effects of performing short foot exercises (SFEs) on the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the effects of SFEs. METHODS: ‘SFE’ and ‘intrinsic foot muscle’ were keywords used to search for randomized controlled trials. One researcher screened relevant articles based on their titles and abstracts, and two independent researchers closely read the texts, accepting nine studies for inclusion. Outcomes, intervention duration, frequency, and the number of interventions were investigated. RESULTS: Of 299 potential studies identified, the titles and abstracts of 211 studies were reviewed, and 192 were excluded. The full texts of 21 studies were obtained and evaluated according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies concerning the MLA were identified, with four reporting MLA improvement. There was no consensus concerning the number and frequency of SFEs performed, and the mechanism of MLA improvement was unclear. MLA improvement was observed in participants who undertook ⩾ 5 weeks of interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that performing SFEs for ⩾ 5 weeks is effective in improving the MLA. Randomized controlled trials with details concerning the number and frequency of treatments are required.

Effects of short foot exercise on Q-angle in individuals with flatfoot

“…17 The results of the present study were also supported by Hara et al who found that ≥ five weeks of SFE was effective in improving the MLA. 18 The plantar fascia is a major supporter of MLA retention. 22 It overlaps the intrinsic foot muscles and connects to the flexor digitorum brevis.…”

“…3 As a result, this increases the height of the MLA. 16,18 Several previous studies investigated the effects of SFE on the MLA. 18 Some studies demonstrated the presence of a flatfoot deformity resulting in an increased Q-angle.…”

“…16,18 Several previous studies investigated the effects of SFE on the MLA. 18 Some studies demonstrated the presence of a flatfoot deformity resulting in an increased Q-angle. 4,5 However, there is a lack of studies examining the effects of SFE on the Q-angle.…”

Correlation between flat foot and patellar instability in adolescents and analysis of related risk factors

“…The value obtained by measuring the width of the middle foot of the foot print compared to the width of the metatarsal bone is the Chippaux-Smirak Index. BMI obtains the height and weight through physical examination of the patient, and calculates the height ÷ weight 2 The resulting value is BMI. Knee joint Q angle: (The angle from the midpoint of the patella to the tibial tubercle that intersects the traction line of the quadriceps femoris is called the Q angle) When the patient stands in a neutral position, mark the positions of the anterior superior iliac spine, the midpoint of the patella, and the tibial tubercle, and then measure the Q angle.…”

“…Most patients are accompanied by anterior foot abduction and calcaneal valgus. 1,2 Adolescent flat foot are mostly flexible and flat foot, with arches that are not fully formed during development and relatively high joint activity. Most adolescent flat foot will return to normal as they age, and some patients will develop into adult flat foot.…”