Effects of the Short-Foot Exercise on Foot Alignment and Muscle Hypertrophy in Flatfoot Individuals: A Meta-Analysis

Ching Huang, Liang-Yu Chen, Yi-Hung Liao, Kunanya Masodsai, Yi-Yuan Lin, Ching Huang, Liang-Yu Chen, Yi-Hung Liao, Kunanya Masodsai, Yi-Yuan Lin

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine the effects of the short-foot exercise (SFE) compared to foot orthosis or other types of interventions. Eligibility criteria involved participants with flatfoot engaging in the SFE compared to other forms of intervention or control groups without specific intervention. Relevant studies published before the end of June 2022 were identified from databases. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating the mean differences (MD) and standard MD (SMD) using the random effects model. Six trials with 201 patients (out of 609 records) that met selection criteria were reviewed. Five of the six trials implemented distinct interventions in the control group such as shoe insoles and muscle strengthening exercises, while in the remaining trial, controls received no intervention. The SFE group significantly reduced the navicular drop test (NDT) values (MD: -0.23; 95% confidence interval: -0.45 to -0.02; p = 0.04) and the foot posture index (FPI-6) score (MD: -0.67; 95% confidence interval: -0.98 to -0.36; p < 0.0001) when compared to the control group. The muscle hypertrophy did not differ significantly between the groups. The SFE may contribute more benefits than other intervention as it affects flatfoot individuals' foot alignment. Hence, the SFE is recommended as a beneficial dynamic support when facing flatfoot problems.

Keywords: exercise; foot posture index; intrinsic foot muscle; navicular drop.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of study selection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of comparison: navicular drop by navicular drop test (NDT); outcome: the SG significantly decreased values of navicular drop compared with the CG. Abbreviations: SG, short-foot exercise group; CG, control group. Green square: point estimate for each study; Black diamond symbol: average effect.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of comparison: foot posture by foot posture index (FPI-6); outcome: the SG significantly lowered FPI-6 values compared with the CG. Abbreviations: SG, short-foot exercise group; CG, control group. Green square: point estimate for each study; Black diamond symbol: average effect.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot of comparison: muscle hypertrophy; outcome: no significant difference was observed between the SG and CG. Abbreviations: SG, short-foot exercise group; CG, control group. Green square: point estimate for each study; Black diamond symbol: average effect.

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