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.

Background: Flexible flat foot is that the medial longitudinal arch collapses in weight bearing and returns normal arch when weight is removed and the weight bearing shifts toward medial part of the foot, which can cause pathological problems in the alignment of the lower extremities and the entire body. Objective: To compare the foot pressure for adults with flexible flat foot. Design: Quasi-Experimental Study Methods: 24 participants with flexible flat foot were recruited and were randomly divided into Visual feedback Short Foot Exercise (VSFE) group and Short Foot Exercise (SFE) group. To compare changes of foot pressure about pre and post intervention, the contact pressure measurement was conducted. Results: In the VSFE, significant differences were observed for the foot pressure of the 1st toe, 1st, 3rd and 4-5th metatarsal, midfoot, medial and lateral heel (p<.05). The foot pressure of the 3rd and 4-5th metatarsal, midfoot showed significant differences in the SFE (p<.05). The contact pressure of the 1st toe, 3rd metatarsal showed significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Visual feedback short foot exercise can be useful for moving the pressure from medial to lateral part, and can prevent possible pathological problems.

This study aimed to identify the effects of modified low-dye taping and foot intrinsic muscle strengthening exercise on foot pressure in people with flat feet. The subjects were 12 participants with flat feet in their 20s. They were randomly divided into two groups: taping and strengthening exercise. They performed the interventions twice a week for six weeks. The taping group was applied the modified low-dye taping. The exercise group was performed foot intrinsic muscle strengthening exercise for 30 minutes. The data were measured by Foot Pressure Measurement. There was no significant difference in plantar pressure between taping group and exercise group. There was also no significant difference in all variables before and after intervention in all groups. The present study suggests that taping and exercise can change the foot pressure in patients with flat-footed.