Comparison of Foot-Core Training With and Without Visual Feedback on Gait and Foot Posture in Children With Flexible Pes Planus
This study investigates flexible pes planus (flat feet) in children, a condition where the medial arch collapses during weight-bearing, affecting gait, balance, and foot function. Although foot-core strengthening and visual feedback individually improve arch stability and motor control, their combined effect in pediatric populations remains underexplored. To address this gap, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Rafia Grammar School, involving 24 children aged 7-12 years with clinically confirmed flexible pes planus. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: one receiving foot-core training alone and the other receiving foot-core training with visual feedback, with interventions carried out twice weekly for 8 weeks. Changes in foot posture and gait will be assessed using standardized outcome measures, and data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The study aims to determine whether adding visual feedback enhances treatment effectiveness and supports the development of more targeted, evidence-based pediatric rehabilitation strategies.
• Children aged 7-12 years with confirmed flat feet
• Both Genders
• Flexibility of flatfeet; tested using Tip toe standing test and Jack's test.
• Navicular Drop (\>10mm)
• Mini Mental State Examination score \> 21
• Visual acuity of 20/40 (6/12) or better in both eyes, confirmed by Snellen chart test.
• Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6, \> +6)
• Children demonstrate altered gait parameters consistent with flexible pes planus as measured by temporal-distance gait analysis.
• Arch Height Index (\< 0.31)
• Medial Longitudinal Arch Angle (\<130°)
• Calcaneal Eversion Angle ( \>5° eversion)
• Subtalar ROM (Dorsiflexion \<10°)
• Footprint Index (Staheli \>1.0 or Chippaux \>45%)
• Dynamic Balance; Y-Balance Test (\<85% composite score)
• Functional Scale (LEFS) (\<60%)