Correlation between Core and Hip Abductor Endurance in Overweight and Obese Students with Flexible Flat Feet

Flexible flatfoot is a common foot deformity that can lead to altered biomechanics and excessive pronation during weight-bearing activities. Prior studies have linked proximal weakening of the hip abductor muscles and core to flatfoot. Additionally, a greater incidence of flatfoot deformity and decreased hip and core strength have been connected to obesity. Nevertheless, not much research has been done on the connection between obesity, flatfoot, hip abductor endurance, and core endurance. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between core muscular endurance and hip abductor endurance among overweight and obese students between 18-25 years of age with flexible flatfeet. This was an observational study carried out in a tertiary health care centre. Convenience sampling was used for selecting a sample of 75 overweight and obese college students, ages 18 to 25, who had flexible flatfoot (navicular drop ≥10mm, positive Jack’s test and Tiptoe Standing test). The Biering-Sorensen test, the Plank hold test, and the Side Plank hold test were used to measure core endurance. The Hip Abductor Isometric Endurance Test was used to assess hip abductor endurance. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between core and hip abductor endurance measures. Mean differences between overweight and obese groups were compared. In obese students with flexible flatfoot, positive correlations were observed between hip abductor endurance and all core endurance tests (Biering-Sorensen, Plank Hold, Side Plank Hold). However, there was a negative correlation seen in the overweight flatfoot group between hip abductor and core endurance. No statistically significant differences in mean core or hip endurance were noted between the overweight and obese cohorts. The findings suggest that proximal muscular endurance impairments among individuals with flatfoot deformity may be exacerbated by increased obesity levels. Assessing hip and core function may aid in determining risk factors and directing exercise programs intended to prevent musculoskeletal issues in this population.