Hip-focused versus knee-focused exercise programs to improve arch height, balance, and leg strength in flexible flatfoot
Official title: Effects of Hip-Based Versus Knee-Based Exercises on Medial Longitudinal Arch, Dynamic Balance, and Muscle Strength in Flexible Flatfoot
Run by University of Faisalabad · NCT07576816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try whether a hip-focused or a knee-focused exercise program (both combined with foot intrinsic exercises) works better to improve arch height, balance, and leg strength in adults with flexible flatfeet.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Faisalabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Faisalābad, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07576816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are pain-free adults about 25–40 years old with a navicular drop above 10 mm, normal to obese BMI, and no recent lower-limb injury or major systemic disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with rigid flatfoot, recent lower-limb surgery, current orthosis use, leg-length discrepancy over 1.1 cm, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, or injury within the past six months are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with flexible flatfoot (navicular drop >10 mm) who are pain-free will be randomly assigned to a six-week supervised program that emphasizes either hip-strengthening/stretching or knee-focused exercises, with both groups performing the same intrinsic foot exercises and receiving a hot pack. Outcome measures including navicular drop/medial longitudinal arch height, dynamic balance tests, and lower-limb muscle strength will be collected before, midway through, and after the intervention. The intervention is delivered at a single center (Madinah Teaching Hospital, Faisalābad) and excludes participants with recent lower-limb surgery, orthosis use, significant leg-length discrepancy, inflammatory disease, neuropathy, or recent injury. Results will show which proximal exercise strategy more effectively improves foot stability and functional performance in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a simple, non-surgical way to increase arch support, improve balance, and strengthen leg muscles for people with flexible flatfoot.
How similar studies have gone: Some small trials and biomechanical studies suggest hip or knee strengthening can influence foot mechanics and balance, but direct head-to-head comparisons for flexible flatfoot are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Give verbal or written consent to enter the study. * People without any pain and in the age group of about 25-40 years. * People in the category of normal to obese BMI. * People whose value of navicular drop above 10mm. Exclusion Criteria: * People having any surgical procedure on the lower limb. * People using any kind of orthosis. * If the difference between the length of both legs is more than 1.1cm. * People having any disease like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis or sciatica. * People having any injury within 6 months.
Where it's running
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Madinah Teaching Hospital
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr Izza Ayub; PT Assistant Professor
- Email: drizzaayub@gmail.com
- Phone: 0330 1980690
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.