COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC EXERCISES VERSUS FLATFOOT CORRECTIVE EXERCISES ON FOOT POSTURE AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN OBESE GIRLS WITH FLEXIBLE FLATFOOT

Abstract

Background:

Flexible flatfoot is common in children and may be more prevalent in obesity due to increased mechanical stress on the foot. This study compared the effects of plyometric and flatfoot corrective exercises on foot posture and functional mobility in obese girls with flexible flatfoot.

Methods:

A comparative experimental pretest–posttest study was carried out at Santosh College of Occupational therapy, Ghaziabad among 45 obese girls aged 7–12 years, divided into three groups (n=15 each). Experimental Group I received plyometric exercises, Experimental Group II received flatfoot corrective exercises, and the Control Group continued routine physical activities. Interventions were provided for 12 weeks, twice a week. Outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Navicular Drop Test (NDT), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test.

Results:

The plyometric exercise group showed greater improvements in balance and functional mobility, with PBS scores increasing from 43.07 ± 1.62 to 53.20 ± 1.32 and TUG scores decreasing from 6.49 ± 0.28 to 5.79 ± 0.22 seconds. The flatfoot corrective exercise group demonstrated superior improvements in foot posture, with NDT-L values decreasing from 11.53 ± 0.52 to 6.73 ± 0.46 and NDT-R values decreasing from 11.47 ± 0.52 to 6.93 ± 0.26. Post-intervention analysis revealed statistically significant differences across the outcome measures (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Both interventions improved outcomes, with plyometric exercises showing greater gains in balance and functional mobility, while corrective exercises produced greater improvement in foot posture.