Investigation of the effect of pes planus presence on muscle activation and dynamic balance in gymnastics

The aim of this study was to reveal the presence of pes in gymnasts and to investigate its effect on dynamic balance and muscle activation. 44 gymnasts voluntarily participated in the study. The gymnasts' mean age was 12.47 ± 4.34 years, their average height was 1.46 ± 0.17 m, and their body weight was 40 ± 16.55 kg. The mean age of 28 gymnasts with pes planus was 12.28 ± 4.30 years, and the mean age of 16 gymnasts without pes planus was 12.81 ± 4.53 years. The presence of pes planus in athletes was measured with Clark angle using a podoscope device, dynamic balance with Y Balance Test, muscle activation with surface electromyography (sEMG) device during maximum isometric contraction (MIC) and vertical jump. The vertical jump heights of the athletes were evaluated with a Speedmat device. There was no difference between dynamic balance, vertical jump heights and MIC values of gymnasts with and without pes planus (p> 0.05). Flexible pes planus was observed in gymnasts. The gastrocnemius medialis muscle during the ascent period of the vertical jump; In the descending phase of the vertical jump, the gastrocnemius medialis and soleus muscles were found to have lower activation in athletes with pes planus. The frequency of pes planus in gymnasts is high, and activities should be done in training and physiotherapy applications.