Enhancing Foot Posture and Balance in Flexible Flatfoot: Short Foot Exercise, Balance Training, and Plyometrics Approach

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of short foot exercise along with dynamic balance training and plyometric exercise training by using the navicular drop test on improving the foot posture and Y balance test for dynamic balance. Methods. In this comparative study, 66 participants aged 18-30, using convenient sampling were randomly assigned to two groups: SFE group and plyometrics group (each n = 33). Evaluations included the Navicular Drop Test and the Y Balance Test. The SFE group performed short foot exercises with dynamic balance training, while the plyometrics group engaged in plyometric activities. Both groups participated in their respective exercises for 20 minutes, five days a week, over a span of 6 weeks. Results. The Plyometrics group achieved significant improvements compared to the SFE group. Navicular drop decreased to 6.79 in Plyometrics and 8.45 in SFE. In the Y Balance Test, Plyometrics demonstrated better outcomes: anterior (104.82 vs 101.12), posteromedial (96.58 vs 93.30), and posterolateral (98.03 vs 95.85), all with P-values < 0.001, indicating superior reduction in navicular drop and enhanced dynamic balance. Conclusions. According to this study, the plyometrics group is superior to the shortfoot and dynamic balance exercise group. Plyometrics is more effective in reducing navicular drop and enhancing dynamic balance in people with flexible flatfoot.