Biofeedback-Assisted Short Foot Exercises in Flexible Flatfoot

NCT07286773 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 0a747ZHs - 2025/689
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of biofeedback-assisted short foot exercises and traditional short foot exercises in individuals with flexible pes planus. The study aims to determine whether adding biofeedback to short foot exercises leads to greater improvements in foot biomechanics, balance, and functional ability. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise improve plantar pressure distribution and foot posture more than traditional short foot exercise? Does the use of biofeedback result in greater improvements in balance and functional ability? Researchers will compare a biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise program to a traditional short foot exercise program to evaluate their effects on plantar pressure distribution, foot posture, balance, ankle range of motion, and functional outcomes. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to either a traditional short foot exercise group or a biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise group Participate in a supervised exercise program twice per week for 6 weeks Complete pre- and post-intervention assessments, including plantar pressure analysis, balance tests, foot posture evaluation, and self-reported functional questionnaires

Conditions

Pes Planus

Keywords

Flexible Flatfoot; Short Foot Exercise; Biofeedback Training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

  The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire designed to assess functional limitations associated with foot and ankle conditions. It consists of two subscales: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty). The total score for each subscale is converted to a percentage, with higher scores indicating better functional ability. The FAAM has been shown to be reliable, valid, and responsive to clinical change in individuals with musculoskeletal impairments of the foot and ankle.

  Baseline

• The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

  The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire used to assess functional limitations associated with foot and ankle conditions. It consists of two subscales: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty). Total scores for each subscale are converted to percentage scores, with higher values indicating better functional performance. The FAAM has demonstrated good reliability, validity, and responsiveness to clinical change in individuals with musculoskeletal impairments of the foot and ankle.

  6 week

• Pedobarographic Analysis

  Pedobarographic analysis is an objective method used to assess plantar pressure distribution and contact area during static standing or walking. Measurements are obtained using a computerized pressure platform that records static and dynamic foot loading patterns in real time. During the assessment, participants stand or walk barefoot on the pedobarographic platform. The system measures the magnitude and distribution of plantar pressures and contact area across different regions of the foot, including the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This analysis provides quantitative data on load symmetry, pressure distribution, and medial-lateral balance, which are key indicators of foot biomechanics and medial longitudinal arch function.

  Baseline

• Pedobarographic Analys

  Pedobarographic analysis is an objective method used to assess plantar pressure distribution and contact area during static standing and walking. Measurements are obtained using a computerized pressure platform that records static and dynamic foot-loading patterns in real time. During the assessment, participants stand or walk barefoot on the pedobarographic platform. The system measures the magnitude and distribution of plantar pressures and contact area across different regions of the foot, including the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This analysis provides quantitative data on load symmetry, pressure concentration, and medial-lateral balance, which are important indicators of foot biomechanics and medial longitudinal arch function.

  6 Week

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Active Range of Motion

  Baseline

• Active Range of Motion

  6 week

• FPI-6 (Foot Posture Index-6)

  6 Week

• Navicular Drop Test

  Baseline

• Y-Balance Test

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

BF Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Biofeedback assisted exercises

Exerc Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Other: Supervised exercises

Interventions

Biofeedback assisted exercises OTHER

Biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise group

BF Group

Supervised exercises OTHER

Short foot exercise only group

Exerc Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Voluntary participants aged 18 to 45 years
• Diagnosis of flexible pes planus
• No history of surgery, fracture, or psychiatric disorder

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosis of rigid pes planus
• Age younger than 18 years or older than 45 years
• History of psychiatric disorder or lower extremity trauma

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa: lead

Study Sites (2)

İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa

Istanbul, Büyükçekmece, 34500, Turkey (Türkiye)

NOT YET RECRUITING

Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University

Istanbul, Fatih, 34104, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Flatfoot

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Talipes; Foot Deformities, Acquired; Foot Deformities; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Foot Deformities, Congenital; Lower Extremity Deformities, Congenital; Limb Deformities, Congenital; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Congenital Abnormalities; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities

Study Officials

• Taner ALPARSLAN, PT, Master's student

  Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Sezen KARABÖRKLÜ ARGUT, Asst. Prof. Dr.

  Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Taner Alparslan, Physiotherapist

CONTACT

00902128663700; babaknavid@ogr.iuc.edu.tr

Sezen KARABÖRKLÜ ARGUT, Asst. Prof. Dr.

CONTACT

00902128663700; s.karaborkluargut@iuc.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator, Physiotherapist

Model Details: Randomized controlled trial

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 3, 2025
• First Posted: December 16, 2025
• Study Start: December 22, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 22, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 22, 2026
• Last Updated: February 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

TU (2)