Evaluation of balance, plantar pressure and gait in individuals with pes planus

The aim of this study was to evaluate balance, plantar pressure, and gait in individuals with pes planus and compare them with individuals with a normal arch. The 76 females and 32 males, a total of 108 individuals between the ages of 18-35 years participated in the study. Individuals were divided into two groups individuals with bilateral pes planus (n=54) and individuals with normal arch structure (n=54) according to the Navicular Drop Test and Foot Posture Index. The mean age was 20.87±3.50 years in individuals with pes planus, and 20.96±3.19 years in individuals with a normal arch. The descriptive characteristics of the individuals were recorded. Pes planus rigidity was evaluated by Jack's Toe Test, the tibial tendon was assessed by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction test, and foot pain severity during walking and toe-up using Visual Analog Scale. The static balance of the individuals was measured with the Hur Smart Balance system, and the dynamic balance was measured with the Y balance test. Gait and dynamic plantar pressure were evaluated with the DIERS Pedogait System. The descriptive characteristics of the individuals such as age, body mass index, occupation, shoe size, and dominant lower extremity were similar (p>0.05). The 49 (90.7%) individuals had non-rigid pes planus. There was no difference between the groups in terms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (p>0.05). The pain intensity of individuals with pes planus during walking was higher than individuals with normal arch (p<0.05), and the groups were similar in terms of pain during toe-up (p>0.05). There was no difference between individuals with pes planus and with a normal arch in terms of static and dynamic balance, gait, and dynamic plantar pressure values (p>0.05). As a result; it was found that balance, plantar pressure distribution and time-distance characteristics of gait in individuals with pes planus with young adults did not differ from individuals with normal arch structure. It is thought that pes planus, which is frequently seen in young adults, should be evaluated in terms of biomechanical problems that it may cause in the future and should be addressed in terms of physiotherapy, even in cases where it is not symptomatic.