Article ID: 2024-016
This study investigated the effects of intrinsic foot muscle strengthening on foot alignment in individuals with flatfoot. Sixteen individuals with flatfoot participated in this study and underwent neuromuscular electrical stimulation with blood flow restriction targeting the intrinsic foot muscles. The intervention was conducted three times per week for eight weeks. Evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention, measuring the toe grip strength, the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle, the Arch Height Index in both seated and standing positions, and the medial longitudinal arch kinematics during the stance phase of gait. The results revealed significant increases in toe grip strength and the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle following the intervention. Additionally, the time required for medial longitudinal arch height to reach the minimum value during the stance phase of gait was significantly decreased. No statistically significant changes were observed in the Arch Height Index under seated and standing positions. These findings suggest that strengthening of intrinsic foot muscles using neuromuscular electrical stimulation with blood flow restriction may influence the foot kinematics during the stance phase of gait in individuals with flatfoot.
