Effect of Corrective Exercises Programme among Athletes with Flat Feet on Foot Alignment Factors

Prajakta Kamale; Aishwarya Kanhere

Effect of Corrective Exercises Programme among Athletes with Flat Feet on Foot Alignment Factors

Author(s)	Ms. Prajakta Kamale, Dr. Aishwarya Kanhere
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Flat foot (pes planus) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, altered foot biomechanics, and excessive pronation. In athletes, flat feet may affect balance, functional performance, and increase the risk of lower limb injuries. Corrective exercise programmes focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle strengthening have been suggested to improve foot alignment and arch stability. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a structured corrective exercise programme on foot alignment factors among athletes with flat feet (pes planus). Methodology: An experimental pre-test and post-test study was conducted among 30 athletes with flexible flat feet selected using purposive sampling. Baseline assessment was performed using the Navicular Drop Test, Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), and Arch Height Index. Participants underwent a structured 4-week corrective exercise programme consisting of short foot exercises, toe curls, towel scrunch exercises, heel raises, tibialis posterior strengthening, and balance training exercises. The intervention was administered 5 days per week for 30–40 minutes per session. Post-intervention assessment was carried out using the same outcome measures. Data were statistically analysed using mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test. Results: The study demonstrated significant improvement in all measured foot alignment parameters following the intervention. Navicular Drop significantly reduced from 13.27 ± 1.53 mm to 10.47 ± 1.94 mm (p < 0.001). FPI-6 score improved from 8.60 ± 1.10 to 5.67 ± 1.27 (p < 0.001). Arch Height Index increased from 0.22 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.02 (p < 0.001). The findings indicate that the corrective exercise programme effectively improved foot posture and medial longitudinal arch support among athletes with flat feet. Conclusion: The structured corrective exercise programme was effective in improving foot alignment factors among athletes with flat feet. The intervention significantly enhanced medial longitudinal arch height, reduced navicular drop, and improved overall foot posture. Corrective exercises may therefore be considered an effective conservative management approach for athletes with pes planus.
Keywords	Pes Planus, Flat Foot, Corrective Exercises, Foot Alignment, Navicular Drop Test, Foot Posture Index, Arch Height Index, Athletes, Intrinsic Foot Muscles.
Field	Physical Science
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-05

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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Effect of Corrective Exercises Programme among Athletes with Flat Feet on Foot Alignment Factors

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