Can Foot Exercises and Going Barefoot Improve Function, Muscle Size, Foot Pressure During Walking and Qualitative Reports of Function in People with Flat Foot?

Authors

Marcey Keefer Hutchison, George Fox UniversityFollow
Robin Dorociak
Alison Modafferi
Shanna Howland
Angela Foster
Jean Jarbath
Brenden Thompson
Tyler Whited
Jeff Houck, George Fox UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Specific exercises to train foot muscles for barefoot running (i.e. doming seated[DS] and standing[DSt]) and post foot and ankle injury (i.e. seated plantar flexion and inversion[SPFI]) are common. Exercise programs specifically for the foot claim improvement in foot posture (foot posture index [FPI]) and foot strength. However, rigorous assessment of foot function as a result of exercise is lacking (i.e. foot posture, strength, and plantar pressure). Further, no studies specifically address patients with flat foot. The purpose of this case series study was to assess the immediate effects of an 8-week foot exercise and barefoot weight bearing program on clinical and biomechanical measures of foot function.

Comments

Originally published in Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 3(3) DOI: 10.1177/2473011418S00257 ©The Author(s) 2018

Recommended Citation

Keefer Hutchison, Marcey; Dorociak, Robin; Modafferi, Alison; Howland, Shanna; Foster, Angela; Jarbath, Jean; Thompson, Brenden; Whited, Tyler; and Houck, Jeff, "Can Foot Exercises and Going Barefoot Improve Function, Muscle Size, Foot Pressure During Walking and Qualitative Reports of Function in People with Flat Foot?" (2018). Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy. 123.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/pt_fac/123