Efficacy of Core Stability Exercises and Intrinsic Foot Training on Patients With Flat Foot: A Comparative Study

Background Flatfoot, or Pes planus, is a common condition characterized by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, leading to instability and balance issues. Strengthening intrinsic foot muscles through short-foot exercises is a widely used rehabilitation approach. Additionally, core stability exercises (CSE) play a crucial role in maintaining musculoskeletal stability, as the core and the foot are anatomically and functionally connected via the superficial back line. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of core stability exercises and intrinsic foot training in individuals with flatfoot. Methods A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 80 participants diagnosed with flatfoot. They were randomly assigned to either the Core Stability Exercise (CSE) group (n=40) or the Intrinsic Foot Training (IFT) group (n=40). The intervention lasted for four weeks, with exercises performed three times per week on alternate days. The primary outcome measure was Normalized Truncated Navicular Height (NTNH), while the secondary outcome measure was the Foot Function Index Questionnaire (FFIQ). Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. Results The results indicated significant within-group improvements in NTNH and FFIQ in both groups. In the CSE group, there were significant improvements in NTNH (Z=-5.604, p=0.000) and FFIQ (Z=-5.553, p=0.000). Similarly, the IFT group showed significant changes in NTNH (Z=-5.591, -5.577, p=0.000) and FFIQ (Z=-5.539, p=0.000). However, intergroup comparisons showed no significant differences in NTNH between the two groups (right leg: Z=-0.774, p=0.439; left leg: Z=-0.359, p=0.72). A significant difference in FFIQ (Z=-1.917, p=0.05) was observed, favoring the CSE group, indicating a better functional improvement compared to the IFT group. Conclusion In conclusion, both core stability and intrinsic foot training were effective in improving NTNH and foot function in individuals with flatfoot. However, the CSE group demonstrated a slightly greater improvement in foot function. These findings suggest that both interventions can be beneficial in managing flatfoot and should be incorporated into physiotherapy rehabilitation programs.