Analyzing the effects of foot and ankle stabilization training on functional status and health-related quality of life in subjects with pes planus

In the study, the effects of foot and ankle stabilization training on functional status and foot related quality of life was investigated. 50 subjects, 22 male and 28 female with pes planus was included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 31,4±9,59. Foot pronation was evaluated by navicular height, " navicular drop test (NDT*) " and foot posture index. Physiotherapy evaluations (manual muscle strength test, muscle shortness test, evaluation of joint range of motion), assessment of pain were carried out for both feet before and after the exercise programme. Walking speed was evaluated by '' 10 meter walk test (10 MWT) '', energy consumption was evaluated by '' Physiological Cost Index (PCI) '', foot related quality of life was evaluated by '' Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) '' and foot function was evaluated by ''Foot Function Index''. Before the exercise programme, individuals were instructed for " short foot exercise (SFE)". The subjects performed SFE for 6 weeks, 5 days a week, twice a day and 10 repetitions. Once a week, the exercises were performed accompanied by the physiotherapist. From the third week, participants practised SFE while walking. After the exercise programme, it was seen that the functional status and the health related quality of life of individuals improved, the values of NDT* and subtalar angle, the scores of foot posture index and PCI decreased, walking speed increased (p<0,001); muscle strength of tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, gastrocnemius and soleus increased (p<0,05). Finally it can be concluded that foot and ankle stabilization training based on SFE is important for foot rehabilitation and is appropriate to recommend to individuals with pes planus. Key Words: Pes planus, short foot exercise, foot stabilization exercises, foot function, foot related quality of life