Foot-core strengthening with or without visual feedback for children with flexible flatfeet
Comparison of Foot-Core Training With and Without Visual Feedback on Gait and Foot Posture in Children With Flexible Pes Planus
This program will test whether adding visual feedback to foot-core exercises helps children aged 7–12 with flexible flatfeet improve their arch shape, balance, and walking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07578974 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 24 children aged 7–12 with clinically confirmed flexible pes planus at Rafia Grammar School in Lahore. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive foot-core strengthening alone or the same training plus visual feedback, delivered twice weekly for eight weeks. Outcome measures will include foot posture indices, gait parameters, arch height metrics, and balance tests, with data analyzed using SPSS v23. The aim is to see if adding visual feedback produces greater improvements in arch stability and gait than exercises alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 7–12 with clinically confirmed flexible pes planus (for example Navicular Drop >10 mm, FPI-6 > +6, arch height index <0.31) who can follow instructions and have visual acuity of 20/40 or better.
Not a fit: Children with rigid or structural foot conditions (e.g., tarsal coalitions, congenital lower-limb defects), recent foot/ankle surgery or trauma, or those unable to participate in supervised exercise are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding visual feedback to foot-core exercises could lead to better arch support, balance, and walking mechanics for affected children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies indicate that foot-core strengthening and visual feedback can each improve arch control and motor learning, but few randomized trials have tested their combined effect in pediatric flatfoot.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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%) Exclusion Criteria: * Children with tarsal coalitions * Congenital defects of lower limbs * Previous foot surgery * Foot/ankle trauma within the last six (6) months * Received balance training or feet muscle strengthening within the last 3 months * Visual and vestibular disturbance * A history of head injury within the last 3 months * Weakness of lower extremities (Manual Muscle testing grade \<5)
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Rafia Grammar School — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hafiza Syeda Javeria Fayyaz, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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.