Efficacy of Pilates training on dynamic balance in flexible flatfoot

Introduction:
Flatfoot is a very common musculoskeletal deformity. This study aimed to examine the impact of Pilates training on dynamic balance and quality of life in individuals with flexible flatfoot.

Material and methods:
A pre-post randomized controlled design was employed. Forty-four physical therapy students were randomly recruited, with ages ranging from 18 to 21 years and body mass index between 18.5 and 25 kg/m². They were categorized into two groups which underwent the following five-week interventions. The experimental group (A) performed daily short foot exercises (SFE), consisting of three sets of ten repetitions performed for three minutes, together with a Pilates programme consisting of two 30-minute training sessions per week: each exercise was performed for 10 repetitions held for 5s, with a 10 to 20s rest between exercises, and a 45s rest interval between sets. The control group (B) only performed SFE. In both groups, foot posture was evaluated with the navicular drop test, dynamic balance with Balance Check 636 stability tester (Dr. Wolff, Arnsberg, Germany), and quality of life with the FFI questionnaire, before and after treatment.

Results:
A significant difference existed between pre and post measurements in both groups for all assessed variables; better results were noted for Group A (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In individuals with flexible flatfoot, the combination of Pilates training with SFE enhances dynamic balance and quality of life to a greater degree than SFE alone.