Background: Recent research suggests that the most effective and proactive method for correcting excessive pronation, which contributes to the lowering of the medial longitudinal arch, is to enhance both intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles simultaneously. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle exercises on medial longitudinal arch height, plantar pressure distribution, and lactate levels in university students with flexible flatfoot. Design: Randomized controlled trial study. Methods: Twenty-two students with flexible flat foot participated in this study and were recruited by N University in Korea. The subjects were randomly divided into Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening group (IFG; n=11) that went through Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercise, Extrinsic foot muscle strengthening group (EFG; n=11) that went through extrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercise. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in medial arch height and first metatarsal bone pressure, while EFG also had increased pressure at the second to fourth metatarsal bones. No significant differences were found in lactate levels. Conclusion: Both intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises can be suggested as effective interventions for improving medial longitudinal arch height and plantar pressure.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Subjects
    Assessment
    Intervention
    Data Analysis
RESULTS
    General Characteristics of the patients
    Changes in the Medial Longitudinal Arch
    Changes in Plantar Pressure
    Changes in Lactate Levels
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Beomcheol Jeong(SG Samsung Joeun Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea)
• Mikyoung Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea)
• Kyungtae Yoo(Department of Physical Therapy, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author