Biomechanics of Transitional Movements in Individuals with Pronated Feet: A Review Study

Objective A pronated foot is a chronic deformity characterized by the flattening of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and medial plantar abduction.Studies estimate that approximately 20% of the global population exhibits this condition.The aim of this review was to examine the biomechanics of transitional movements in individuals with pronated feet, focusing on the effects of orthotics and corrective exercises, as reported in previous studies.Methods A literature search was conducted using keywords such as walking, transitional movements, kinetics, kinematics, balance, pronated foot, and electromyographic muscle activity, covering publications from 2010 to 2025.Articles in both Persian and English were retrieved from databases including SID, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, JCR, Google Scholar, Springer, and Civilica.Of the 115 articles identified, 85 were excluded due to duplication or lack of relevance to the study topic, resulting in 30 articles being included in the review.Results Studies have shown that the use of corrective orthoses in individuals with pronated feet reduces pronation angles, improves foot alignment during stance, and more evenly distributes plantar pressure during gait.Functional corrective exercises-including balance training, proprioceptive drills, and strengthening of the intrinsic foot muscles-have been found to enhance ankle and plantar motor control, reduce compensatory movements, and ultimately improve gait quality.These interventions often lead to longer stance phases, improved gait speed and rhythm, and a reduced risk of injury during walking.Conclusion Corrective exercises combined with supportive devices appear to have beneficial effects on the biomechanical issues associated with pronated feet.