Effect of Adding Reactive Neuromuscular Exercises to Core Foot Training on Gait Kinetics in Girls with Flexible Flatfoot: A Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors
Ghazal Taghizadeh 1
Seyed Sadredin Shojaedin 2
1 MSc, Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injury, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injury, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
10.48305/jrrs.2026.46094.1132
Abstract
Introduction: Flexible flatfoot is a common disorder during growth, characterized by a decreased medial longitudinal arch and altered gait patterns, which can lead to pain and chronic injuries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining core foot exercises (CFE) and reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) on gait kinetics in girls with flexible flatfoot.
Materials and Methods: A single-blind clinical trial with a pre-test–post-test design was conducted involving three groups (two intervention groups and one control group). Forty-eight girls aged 12–15 years were randomly assigned into three groups of 16: core foot exercise (CFE), core foot exercise plus reactive neuromuscular training (CFE + RNT), and control. Interventions were performed for eight weeks (three sessions per week). Kinetic data, including ground reaction force (GRF), time to peak ground reaction force (T-Peak GRF), and center of pressure (COP) displacement, were recorded using a force plate. Normality of data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and homogeneity of variances was examined using Levene's test. One-way ANOVA was used to compare groups at pre-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc test was used for post-test comparisons after controlling for pre-test effects, at a significance level of 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: The results showed that eight weeks of training produced significant differences in GRF, T-Peak GRF, and COP (P < 0.05). The combined training group (CFE + RNT) experienced greater improvements in GRF, T-Peak GRF, and COP compared to the core foot exercise group alone.
Conclusion: Adding reactive neuromuscular training to core foot exercises improves gait kinetics and enhances stability, representing a cost-effective and clinically effective approach for managing flexible flatfoot.

Keywords

Subjects

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