The effect of a selected exercise program on correcting foot pronation (Pilot study)

Pronated foot is one of the most common abnormalities associated with navicular drop and increased internal rotation of the hip and may be influenced by the hip muscles. The purpose of this study was to examine the affect of a selected exercise program on pronated foot correction. Thirty male subjects (Mean age ± SD; 21. 36 ± 2. 07 years، weight ± SD; 71. 93 ± 7. 62 kg، height ± SD; 177. 33 ± 7. 52 cm) with pronated foot participated in this study and randomly divided into two control and experimental groups. Pronated foot was measured by navicular drop test and medial rotation of hip was measured by goniometric method. The strength of hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles was assessed using hand-held dynamometer. The experimental group participated in strength training program three times a week for six weeks. Control group were asked to continue their daily activity. After 6 weeks، navicular drop، hip internal rotation and muscles strength were measured again. Data analysis with paired and independent samples t-test was performed. The results revealed that in experimental group، there was a hip internal rotation and navicular drop reduction with increase in hip muscle strength. The experimental group has significant decreased in the rate of hip internal rotation and pronated foot in comparison to control group (P £ 0. 05). The results indicated that increasing in hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles strength by a selected exercise program may prevent foot pronation and help to correct this deformity.