Efficacy of Pilates training on dynamic balance in flexible flatfoot

Introduction: Flatfoot deformity is a very common deformity among the musculoskeletal deformities.This study aimed to examine the impact of Pilates training on dynamic balance and quality of life in individuals with flexible flat feet.Material and methods: A pre-post randomized controlled design was employed.Forty-four physical therapy students were randomly recruited, with ages ranging from 18 to 21 years and body mass index between 18.5 and 25 kg/m.They were categorized into two groups: An experimental group (A) underwent Pilates training for 30 minutes per session, twice a week, over a duration of 5 weeks, performing 10 repetitions for each exercise with 10 to 20 seconds of rest between exercises and short foot exercises (SFE).For five weeks, three sets of ten repetitions were executed daily for three minutes, with each repeat held for five seconds and a 45-second rest interval between sets.The control group (B) underwent short foot exercises.The navicular drop test was employed to evaluate foot posture.The Balance Check 636 gadget (Dr.Wolff, Arnsberg, Germany) was utilized to evaluate dynamic balance, while the FFI questionnaire was employed to assess quality of life for both groups before and following the treatment.Results: A significant difference existed between pre and post measurements in both groups across all assessed variables, favoring group A, with a p-value of p < 0.001.Conclusions: The combination of Pilates training with short foot exercises is more successful in enhancing dynamic balance and quality of life in individuals with flexible flat feet than short foot exercises alone.