Corrective Exercise and Orthotic Implementation in Females With Hallux Valgus: A Comparative Kinetics-based Study

Objectives: This study investigated the comparative effects of a 12-week corrective exercise program and orthotic intervention on plantar pressure-related kinetic parameters in women with hallux valgus (HV).Methods: Sixty participants were randomly assigned to three groups: corrective exercise (CEG), orthotic (OG), and control (CG).Plantar pressure, loading rate, and impulse were measured in various foot regions using pressure platform analysis at baseline, week 8, and week 12. Results:The CEG showed significant reductions in maximum plantar pressure (Pmax) at the hallux, metatarsals, and lateral rearfoot, along with decreased loading rates and impulses in key forefoot and midfoot regions.The OG also demonstrated significant changes, particularly in redistributing load across the plantar surface, though some increases in pressure and impulse were observed in lateral and non-targeted areas.Compared to the CG, both interventions improved plantar pressure distribution, with corrective exercises providing more focused and consistent benefits.Discussion: Findings suggest that dynamic muscle training more effectively targets abnormal load patterns associated with HV than passive orthotic support.While orthotics can complement treatment by redistributing pressure, clinicians should monitor for compensatory loading effects.Corrective exercise should be considered a primary conservative intervention for HV, with potential for optimizing foot biomechanics and reducing the risk of deformity progression.