Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Dynamic Balance of People With Flexible Flatfoot in Two Different Age Groups in Fatigue Conditions: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Whole body vibration (WBV) is a safe and effective method to improve balance and muscle strength. Considering to the effect of foot longitudinal arch on dynamic balance, and the effectiveness of WBV in improving balance, the present study aims to assess the effects of WBV on dynamic balance of patients with flexible flatfoot.

In this randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with flexible flatfoot; 40 aged <18 years (Mean±SD age= 15.25±1.24) and 40 aged >20 (Mean±SD age= 22.57±1.48). They were randomly divided into two intervention groups of <18 and >20 years and two control groups of <18 and >20 years. The intervention groups received four weeks of WBV. In the control groups, no intervention was carried out. The fatigue was induced by running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclinations according to the Bruce protocol. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System at anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions and in overall.

The repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni test results showed that the mean dynamic balance in overall and at anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions were significantly increased in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (P<0.001). Moreover, the dynamic balance showed a significant increase in the intervention group aged <18 years compared to the intervention group aged >20 years (P<0.001).

The WBV can be used to improve the dynamic balance of people with flexible flatfoot even in fatigue conditions.