Biofeedback-enhanced short foot exercises for flexible flatfoot
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Biofeedback-Assisted Short Foot Exercises in Individuals With Flexible Pes Planus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This program tests whether adding biofeedback to short foot exercises helps adults with flexible flatfoot improve foot posture, plantar pressure distribution, balance, and function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Istanbul, Büyükçekmece and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07286773 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with flexible pes planus (ages 18–45) will be randomly assigned to a supervised short foot exercise program with or without biofeedback. The biofeedback group will receive real-time feedback on muscle activation or plantar pressure during exercise while the control group performs traditional supervised short foot exercises. Outcomes include plantar pressure distribution, foot posture measures, balance tests, ankle range of motion, and patient-reported functional outcomes measured before and after the intervention. People with rigid flatfoot, prior lower-extremity surgery or trauma, or psychiatric disorders are excluded from participation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–45 diagnosed with flexible pes planus who have no history of lower-extremity surgery or psychiatric disorder.
Not a fit: People with rigid pes planus, prior lower-extremity trauma or surgery, psychiatric illness, or those outside the 18–45 age range are unlikely to gain benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding biofeedback could produce better foot mechanics, improved balance, and greater day-to-day function for people with flexible flatfoot.
How similar studies have performed: Small trials and physiotherapy reports have shown short foot exercises can strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and improve posture, and early pilot work suggests biofeedback may add benefit though large randomized evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary participants aged 18 to 45 years * Diagnosis of flexible pes planus * No history of surgery, fracture, or psychiatric disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of rigid pes planus * Age younger than 18 years or older than 45 years * History of psychiatric disorder or lower extremity trauma
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Büyükçekmece and 1 other locations
- İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa — Istanbul, Büyükçekmece, Turkey (Türkiye) (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University — Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Taner ALPARSLAN, PT, Master's student — Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Study coordinator: Taner Alparslan, Physiotherapist
- Email: babaknavid@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: 00902128663700
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.