Comparison of NASM Corrective Exercise Alone Versus with Kinesio Taping on Navicular Drop and Lower Limb Function in...

Functional flatfoot is a common condition in adolescents that can impair postural control and increase the risk of lower limb injuries, making effective management important. This randomized clinical trial examined the effects of an eight-week National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) corrective exercise program, with and without Kinesio taping, on clinical and functional outcomes in adolescents with functional flatfoot. Forty-five female adolescents aged 13 to 16 years with a navicular drop ≥ 10 mm were randomly assigned to three groups: NASM corrective exercise, NASM corrective exercise plus Kinesio taping, and control. Primary outcomes were navicular drop, assessed with the Navicular Drop Test (NDT), and lower limb function, measured using the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Secondary outcomes included dynamic balance, evaluated by the Y-Balance Test, and ankle proprioception. Results showed that both intervention groups achieved significant improvements in NDT, function, balance, and proprioception compared with the control group (p = 0.001), confirming the effectiveness of NASM corrective exercise. However, no additional benefits were observed when Kinesio taping was combined with corrective exercise (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that NASM corrective exercise alone is a practical, non-invasive, and cost-effective intervention for improving foot posture, functional performance, and balance in adolescents with functional flatfoot.Clinical Trial Registration:Registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the code:IRCT20240907062968N2. Registration date: 09/03/2025.