Immediate effect of short foot exercise on dynamic balance in elderly population having excessively pronated foot: An experimental study

Abstract

Purpose: Balance is one of the most essential aspects required in activities of daily living in all individuals. Due to ageing various factors interplay and result in compromised balance leading to increased falls. Feet acts as a support base and any deficits in structure of foot may lead to increased incidents of falls in elderly population. This study aims to study the immediate effect of short foot exercise on dynamic balance in elderly population having excessively pronated foot. Subjects: This study included 41 male & female (65 years and above) subjects with excessively pronated foot selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria.Method: The written consent of all the participants was taken. The test was explained to each participant to evaluate dynamic balance before SFE. Participants were explained the SFE protocol and performed first in sitting then in standing position. After SFE, SEBT was done to note the difference in excursion values. Result: After the SFE, values on SEBT increased significantly in all directions. The two tailed p-value was <0.0001 which is considered statistically extremely significant. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is an immediate effect of SFE on dynamic balance in elderly population having excessively pronated foot. Subsequent studies will be conducted to see the time limit for which effect lasts after intervention.