EFFECT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS IN THE REHABILITATION OF FLAT FOOT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Flat foot (pes planus) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition caused by reduced medial longitudinal arch height and excessive pronation. It may be flexible or rigid and is seen in all age groups. Mostly asymptomatic, but in many cases it may be associated with pain, altered biomechanics, impaired balance, functional limitations, and increased risk for secondary musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapy measures such as strengthening, stretching, balance and proprioception training, manual therapy, taping, and neuromuscular re-education are generally used as first-line interventions in physiotherapy for patients with flat feet. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of physiotherapy intervention on clinical and functional outcomes in flat feet. Methods: Searches for relevant literature were conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for English-language publications on flat feet and physiotherapy interventions published in the past 10 years. The articles were evaluated for screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria through titles, abstracts, and full-text review. The scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The PEDro scale was used in assessing the quality of evidence. Results: Twelve RCTs involving 528 participants were included. Interventions included strength training, myofascial release, sensorimotor training, mobility, and stability exercises. The majority of the research studies demonstrated significant differences in navicular drop index, pain, balance, and range of motion. Conclusions and implications of the study: Physiotherapy measures appear to be effective in improving foot posture, pain, balance, and range of motion in flat feet. Further large-scale studies are required to identify long-term outcomes of these interventions. Keywords: Flat foot, physiotherapy, exercise, pes planus, rehabilitation, flexible foot