Effect of lower limb proximal to distal muscle imbalance correction on functional pes planus deformity in young adults

Sawant Janhavi M., Dr. Shinde Sandeep B.*

Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences “Deemed To Be University”, Karad, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

The pes planus deformity is seen more in adults. Pes planus or low foot medial longitudinal arch, contributes to lower extremity injury due to the muscular imbalance. This deformity causes proximal to distal muscle imbalance in lower limb. Effective correction of muscle imbalance is prime important in correction of pes planus. The purpose of the study was to find the effect of exercise in pes planus to correct the imbalance, improve the condition & prevent the injuries along with the long-term effect of the pes planus deformity. To study and find the effect of lower limb proximal to distal muscle imbalance correction in pes planus deformity in young adults. 40 people with functional pes planus deformity were randomly assigned to a group that received the baseline treatment for the muscle imbalance along with the intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises (experimental group) or a group that received only intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises (control group). Each group received 6 weeks treatment. Statistical analysis were performed using paired t test and unpaired t test. In pre-intervention, there was no statistically significant difference seen with p values for the navicular drop test for the right leg and left leg 0.1127, 0.1504 respectively. Ink test p values for the right leg, left leg 0.4184, 0.8719 respectively. While on comparing the post-interventional values using the unpaired t test, revealed that there was extremely significant difference seen with p value for both legs the navicular drop test was 0.0001 and for the ink test (right leg=0.0008, left leg=0.0318). Our study reported that muscular imbalance corrective exercises along with the intrinsic muscle strengthening was more effective in improving the condition and muscle imbalance caused by the pes planus. So, muscular imbalance corrective exercises and intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises should be recommended to correct the deformity or prevent the abnormalities in people with functional pes planus.

Keywords:

Ink test, Muscle Imbalance, Navicular Drop Test, Pes Planus Deformity, Plantar Arch Index