| Objective: To investigate the effects of short foot exercise combined with arch support insole on the medial longitudinal arch (MLA), dynamic balance and proximal joint function in patients with flexible flat feet. Methods: A total of 186 patients with pliable flat foot admitted to our hospital from March 2017 to March 2023 were selected and divided into two groups with 93 cases in each group by a random number table method. The control group wore arch support insole for 12 weeks, and the observation group wore arch support insole for 12 weeks with short foot exercise. Imaging indicators, foot postural index (FPI), height change of MLA, dynamic balance, proximal joint function, pain degree, quality of life and inter-group differences were compared between the two groups before and after intervention. Results: After intervention, Meary’s angle, Kite angle, postural index (FPI), MLA, mean trajectory error (ATE), completion time and visual analog scale (VAS) score were all decreased in two groups as compared with those before intervention (P<0.05). Calcaneal inclination angle (pitch angle), National Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS), Maryland foot score and SF-36 score were higher after intervention than those before intervention (P<0.05). Meary’s angle, Kite angle, FPI, MLA, ATE, completion time and VAS score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while pitch angle, AOFAS score, Maryland foot score and SF-36 score in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Short foot exercise combined with arch support insole can effectively maintain MLA height, improve dynamic balance and joint function, reduce pain and improve quality of life. |
