International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 1s, 2026

Effectiveness Of Short Foot Exercise Combined With Proprioceptive Training Versus Short Foot Exercise Alone On Medial Longitudinal Arch Height And Balance In Individuals With Flexible Flat Foot

Pooja Soni1*, Tanvi Patel2, Nidhi Mevada3, Muskan Jain4, Nitika Jesingh5, Sharda Sharma6, Arka Ghosh7, Navita Sharma8

1Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Physiotherapy and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat-391760

2Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Physiotherapy and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat-391760

3Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Physiotherapy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat - 391760

4HOD & Professor, Rabindranath Tagore University, Mendua, Post: Bhojpur, Near Bangrasiya Chouraha, on the Bhopal-Chiklod Road, District Raisen (PIN: 464993)

5Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences and Technology- Galgotias University, Greater Noida-203201 Uttar Pradesh, India

6Adjunct Professor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, SIMATS Deemed University, Chennai 600077.

7Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida 203201

8Assistant Professor, Physiotherapy department, School of allied health sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No. 2, Sector 17-A, Yamuna Expressway, Opposite Buddha International Circuit, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh - 203201

ABSTRACT

Background: Flexible flat foot is characterized by a decreased medial longitudinal arch, leading to altered biomechanics and impaired balance. Short Foot Exercise (SFE) is commonly used to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles, while proprioceptive training enhances neuromuscular control. Combining these interventions may provide superior outcomes.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of short foot exercise combined with proprioceptive training versus short foot exercise alone on medial longitudinal arch height and balance in individuals with flexible flat foot.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 individuals with flexible flat foot, aged 18–30 years. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (SFE combined with proprioceptive training) and Group B (SFE alone), with 15 participants in each group. Both groups underwent intervention for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Outcome measures included Navicular Drop Test (NDT) for medial longitudinal arch height and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic balance. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in navicular drop and SEBT scores following intervention (p < 0.05). However, Group A demonstrated significantly greater improvement compared to Group B (p < 0.05). The mean reduction in navicular drop was higher in Group A (4.3 mm) compared to Group B (2.2 mm). Similarly, improvements in dynamic balance were significantly greater in Group A across all SEBT directions.

Conclusion: Short foot exercise combined with proprioceptive training is more effective than short foot exercise alone in improving medial longitudinal arch height and balance in individuals with flexible flat foot.

Keywords: Flexible flat foot, Short foot exercise, Proprioceptive training, Navicular drop test, Balance, SEBT.

How to cite this article: Soni P, Patel T, Mevada N, Jain M, Jesingh N, Sharma S, Ghosh A, Sharma N. Effectiveness Of Short Foot Exercise Combined With Proprioceptive Training Versus Short Foot Exercise Alone On Medial Longitudinal Arch Height And Balance In Individuals With Flexible Flat Foot. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1s): 1084-1092. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.1s.120

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None