Hip-focused versus knee-focused exercise programs to improve arch height, balance, and leg strength in flexible flatfoot
Effects of Hip-Based Versus Knee-Based Exercises on Medial Longitudinal Arch, Dynamic Balance, and Muscle Strength in Flexible Flatfoot
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Faisalabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Faisalābad, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07576816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Faisalābad, Punjab Province
- 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
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.