الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Flat foot (FF) is considered as a common musculoskeletal disorders which changes foot posture, affects balance and center of pressure (COP), increases Quadriceps angle (Q angle) and causes foot pain, which affects quality of life and productivity. Backward walking (BW) is a novel in rehabilitation, as it increases muscles strength and improves balance. Purpose of this study: To investigate the effect of BW training on foot posture, static and dynamic balance, COP, Q angle and foot pain intensity level in subjects with FF. Methodology: Forty four subjects of both genders with bilateral flexible FF, participated in the study, their age ranged from 19 to 35 years old. They were assigned randomly into two groups. group A (Study group): received BW training in addition to a conventional physical therapy exercises (short foot exercises, towel curl, heel raise and calf stretch exercises). group B (Control group): received the same conventional physical therapy exercises only. All subjects received 3 sessions/ week, for 6 weeks. Outcome measures, included foot posture using Foot Posture Index 6 (FPI-6), static balance using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (mCTSIB) with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions, dynamic balance by utilizing limits of stability (LOS) test, center of pressure (COP) by the COP test, Q angle using 2D photogrammetric analysis and foot pain intensity level by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All outcome measures were assessed at base line and 6-weeks post treatment. Results: There were statistical significant improvement in both groups, pre and post treatment, for all measured variables (P<0.05). There were significant difference between two groups after treatment regarding all measured variables, except mCTSIB on firm (EO and EC) and foam surface (EO), and Q angle in favor to study group (p< 0.05) |