Effects of Hip-Based Versus Knee-Based Exercises on Medial Longitudinal Arch, Dynamic Balance, and Muscle Strength in Flexible Flatfoot

NCT07576816 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: TUF/EIRB/185/26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 46
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of hip-based and knee-based exercise interventions on medial longitudinal arch height, dynamic balance, and lower limb muscle strength in individuals with flexible flat feet. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving hip-focused strengthening and stretching exercises, and the other receiving knee-focused exercises, while both groups will perform a common set of foot intrinsic exercises. The intervention will be conducted over 6 weeks. Outcomes will be measured pre- and post- intervention and in the middle of intervention to determine which approach is more effective in improving foot stability and functional performance.

Conditions

Flexible Flatfoot; Flexible Flatfoot or Pes Planus

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Lower extremity muscle strength

  Digital handheld dynamometer will be used to evaluate improvement in muscular performance associated with each intervention.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Medial longitudinal arch height and dynamic balance.

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Group A: Hip-based Exercise with hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Procedure: Hip-based Exercise with hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises

Group B: Knee-based exercises with a hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Procedure: Knee-based exercises with a hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises

Interventions

Hip-based Exercise with hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises PROCEDURE

Baseline: Hot pack will be applied to the calf muscle for 5-10 minutes. Then the calf muscles will be stretched with 5 repetitions. Treatment: Clamshell exercises with 4 progressions with 5-10 repetitions and iliopsoas stretching with 3 repetitions per session.

Group A: Hip-based Exercise with hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises

Knee-based exercises with a hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises PROCEDURE

Baseline: Hot pack will be applied to the calf muscle for 5-10 minutes. Then the calf muscles will be stretched with 5 repetitions. Treatment: Knee isometrics with 5-1o repetitions along with hamstring stretching 3 repetitions per session.

Group B: Knee-based exercises with a hot pack and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Madinah Teaching Hospital

Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

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

Central Study Contacts

Dr Izza Ayub; PT Assistant Professor

CONTACT

0330 1980690; drizzaayub@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2026
• First Posted: May 8, 2026
• Study Start: March 30, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

PA (1)