Effect of foot core exercise and arch-supported insole on balance and vertical jump performance in football players with foot pronation

Background Football is a sport that requires both aerobic and anaerobic performance with dynamic movements. Lower extremity injuries are common, especially in the ankle and foot, where foot pronation is a frequent biomechanical issue that can impair balance and performance. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foot core exercises and arch-supported insoles on balance and vertical jump performance in elite football players. Methods Thirty elite male football players with foot pronation deformity were randomly assigned to two groups: Insole Group (IG, n = 15), using only arch-supported insoles, and Insole + Exercise Group (IEG, n = 15), combining insoles with structured foot core exercises for four weeks. Assessments included Navicular Drop Test (NDT), Y-Balance Test, Flamingo Balance Test, Vertical Jump Test, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pre- and pos t -test comparisons were analyzed using paired t -tests or Wilcoxon tests, and time × group effects were examined with repeated measures ANOVA. Results Significant improvements were observed in both groups for NDT, balance, and vertical jump performance ( p < 0.05). The IEG group showed superior gains in NDT and greater pain reduction. Additionally, vertical jump performance showed a near-significant trend favoring the IEG group ( p = 0.059). Conclusions Combining structured foot exercises with arch-supported insoles results in better outcomes for balance, pronation control, and jump performance compared to insoles alone. These findings support incorporating foot-specific exercises into rehabilitation for footballers with pronation. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05821803 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05821803