The combined effect of short foot exercises and orthosis in symptomatic flexible flatfoot: a randomized controlled trial.
Walaa Elsayed, Shaikha Alotaibi, Afaf Shaheen and 2 others
PMID 36988565WHAT IT FOUND
Adding short foot exercises to a shoe insole reduced pain and improved function more than the insole alone in people with painful flat feet.
The primary outcome, foot pressure, showed no difference between groups at the end of the six weeks.
Key findings
01The primary outcome of foot plantar pressure did not differ significantly between the exercise-plus-insole group and the insole-only group at six weeks.
02Pain decreased significantly more in the combined treatment group than in the insole-only group.
03Lower extremity function improved significantly more in the combined treatment group than in the insole-only group.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study only lasted six weeks, so it does not tell us if the benefits of adding exercises to insoles last longer than a few weeks. Foot pressure was measured for the whole foot, not by specific regions like the arch or heel, which might have masked more subtle changes in how weight is distributed. The primary outcome was null, meaning the main measure researchers intended to use to prove the treatment worked did not show a difference between groups. The positive findings rely on secondary measures.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the combined treatment is superior for all foot mechanics. The primary outcome of foot pressure showed no significant difference between groups, and the benefits were seen only in pain and function, which were secondary outcomes.