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Flexible FlatfootNCT07578974

Foot-Core Training With/Without Visual Feedback in Pediatric FPP

A study testing Foot Core Training and Foot Core Training with Visual Feedback in people with Flexible Flatfoot, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study investigates flexible pes planus (flat feet) in children, a condition where the medial arch collapses during weight-bearing, affecting gait, balance, and foot function. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 7 to 12 years
Conditions the study is for
Flexible Flatfoot
What is being tested?
Foot Core Training and Foot Core Training with Visual Feedback
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
24 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
13 Apr 2026to 25 Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 7 to 12 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Children aged 7-12 years with confirmed flat feet
  • Both Genders
  • Flexibility of flatfeet; tested using Tip toe standing test and Jack's test.
  • Navicular Drop (>10mm)
  • Mini Mental State Examination score > 21
  • Visual acuity of 20/40 (6/12) or better in both eyes, confirmed by Snellen chart test.
Show all 15Show fewer
  • Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6, > +6)
  • Children demonstrate altered gait parameters consistent with flexible pes planus as measured by temporal-distance gait analysis.
  • Arch Height Index (< 0.31)
  • Medial Longitudinal Arch Angle (<130°)
  • Calcaneal Eversion Angle ( >5° eversion)
  • Subtalar ROM (Dorsiflexion <10°)
  • Footprint Index (Staheli >1.0 or Chippaux >45%)
  • Dynamic Balance; Y-Balance Test (<85% composite score)
  • Functional Scale (LEFS) (<60%)

Who cannot join

  • Children with tarsal coalitions
  • Congenital defects of lower limbs
  • Previous foot surgery
  • Foot/ankle trauma within the last six (6) months
  • Received balance training or feet muscle strengthening within the last 3 months
  • Visual and vestibular disturbance
  • A history of head injury within the last 3 months
  • Weakness of lower extremities (Manual Muscle testing grade <5)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • Rafia Grammar School

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 53700

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Comparison of Foot-Core Training With and Without Visual Feedback on Gait and Foot Posture in Children With Flexible Pes Planus

This study investigates flexible pes planus (flat feet) in children, a condition where the medial arch collapses during weight-bearing, affecting gait, balance, and foot function. Although foot-core strengthening and visual feedback individually improve arch stability and motor control, their combined effect in pediatric populations remains underexplored. To address this gap, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Rafia Grammar School, involving 24 children aged 7-12 years with clinically confirmed flexible pes planus. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: one receiving foot-core training alone and the other receiving foot-core training with visual feedback, with interventions carried out twice weekly for 8 weeks. Changes in foot posture and gait will be assessed using standardized outcome measures, and data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The study aims to determine whether adding visual feedback enhances treatment effectiveness and supports the development of more targeted, evidence-based pediatric rehabilitation strategies.

Read the detailed description

Flexible pes planus, commonly observed in children, is characterized by a collapse of the medial longitudinal arch during weight-bearing, which can impair gait efficiency, balance, and foot function if unaddressed. While intrinsic foot muscle (foot-core) strengthening has been shown to improve arch stability and functional outcomes, and visual feedback is recognized for enhancing motor control through real-time sensory input, current literature lacks empirical evidence on the combined effect of these interventions in pediatric flatfoot populations.

Most studies examine either strengthening exercises or feedback mechanisms independently, often without tailoring protocols to the unique neuromuscular learning needs of children. This gap limits the development of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies for flexible pes planus. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of foot-core training with and without visual feedback on foot posture and gait parameters in children with flexible pes planus, thereby contributing to the advancement of targeted, evidence-based pediatric rehabilitation approaches. This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Rafia Grammar School. Using a convenience sampling technique, children aged 7-12 years with clinically confirmed flexible pes planus will be recruited based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including cognitive readiness and flexibility of the medial arch. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups (n1=12, n2=12): one receiving foot-core training alone, and the other receiving foot-core training with visual feedback. The intervention will be performed 2 times per week for 8 weeks. The study will assess changes in gait and foot posture using standardized physical and functional outcome measures. Ethical approval will be secured before starting the study, and all evaluations will be carried out consistently throughout the trial. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 23.0.

Being tested
Foot Core Training, Foot Core Training with Visual Feedback
Keywords
Pes Planus, Gait, Visual feedback, Foot-core training, Pediatrics
Medical subject headings
Flatfoot

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Foot Core TrainingOther

    Also called Short Foot exercises

    Children will perform exercises 2×/week for 8 weeks with daily home practice. Begin with 1-2 sets of 5-15 reps (hold 5-10 sec), 1-2 min rest, progressing gradually. Session: 30-45 min.

    1. Short-Foot Contraction: Lift medial arch without toe curling (5-15 reps, hold 5-10 sec)
    2. Tip-Toe Heel Raises: Rise, hold 2 sec, lower (15 reps)
    3. Towel Scrunch: Scrunch towel with toes (~1 min)
    4. Marble Pickup: Pick/place objects with toes (~1 min)
    5. Arch Lifting: Lift arch in standing (15 reps)
    6. Plantar Roll + Calf Stretch: Ball roll + stretch (15-30 sec ×2-3)
    7. Toe Spread \& Squeeze: Spread and squeeze toes
  • Foot Core Training with Visual FeedbackOther

    Also called Short Foot Eercises with Visual Feedback

    Visual feedback will be delivered via mirror therapy using a 36×36×48 cm mirror box. The child sits with the mirror at midline; one foot is hidden inside the box while the other is visible. While performing foot-core exercises, the mirror creates the illusion of symmetrical movement. The process is repeated by switching feet to ensure bilateral training.

    Exercises will be done 2×/week for 8 weeks (home practice encouraged), 1-2 sets of 5-15 reps (hold 5-10 sec), 1-2 min rest, session 30-45 min.

    1. Short-Foot: Lift arch without toe curling (5-15 reps)
    2. Heel Raises: Tip-toe, hold 2 sec (15 reps)
    3. Towel Scrunch: Toe curl (~1 min)
    4. Marble Pickup: Pick/place objects (~1 min)
    5. Arch Lift: Standing arch raise (15 reps)
    6. Plantar Roll + Stretch: Ball roll + calf stretch (15-30 sec ×2-3)
    7. Toe Spread/Squeeze: Improves foot stability
Study groups in NCT07578974
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group A: Experiment Group 1: Foot-Core Training groupActive comparatorChildren will perform the following exercises 2 times per week for 8 weeks, with daily practice encouraged at home. Start with 1-2 sets of 5-15 repetitions, holding each for 5-10 seconds, with 1-2 minutes rest between sets. Progress by increasing repetitions or hold durations gradually (7). The session will take 30-45 mins.
Receives: Other: Foot Core Training
Group B: Experiment Group 2: Foot-Core Training with Visual Feedback groupActive comparatorVisual feedback will be provided using mirror therapy with a mirror box (36 × 36 × 48 cm). The child will sit comfortably with the mirror placed at the midline between the legs; one foot will be hidden inside the box while the other remains visible in front of the mirror. As the child performs foot-core exercises with the visible foot, the mirror creates the illusion that both feet are moving symmetrically, enhancing motor learning through visual feedback. The procedure will then be repeated by switching foot positions to ensure bilateral training. Exercises will be performed twice weekly for 8 weeks, with additional home practice encouraged. Each session will last 30-45 minutes, starting with 1-2 sets of 5-15 repetitions (holding each for 5-10 seconds) and progressing gradually with rest intervals of 1-2 minutes between sets.
Receives: Other: Foot Core Training with Visual Feedback

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Foot Posture Index

    The Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) is a reliable and valid tool for pediatric foot assessment, with excellent inter-rater (ICC 0.92-0.97) and test-retest reliability (ICC 0.93-0.95). It shows good validity through correlations with radiographic measures (r = 0.37-0.77) and demonstrates strong diagnostic accuracy for flexible flatfoot (AUC 0.82, sensitivity 83.7%, specificity 80.4), supporting its clinical and research use.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  2. Temporal Distance Gait Analysis:

    Temporal-distance gait analysis using footprint methods is a valid and reliable tool for assessing pediatric gait. It measures parameters like step length, stride width, and cadence via footprints on a marked walkway. Studies show good test-retest reliability (ICCs 0.52-0.98), supporting its use in children with gait abnormalities, including flexible pes planus.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  3. Arch Height Index

    The Arch Height Index (AHI) is a reliable and valid measure of pediatric foot structure. It shows strong intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ 0.76-0.90) in both sitting and standing positions. Evidence supports its precision and consistency for assessing foot posture in children.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  4. Medial Longitudinal Arch Angle

    The Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) angle is a reliable and valid clinical measure for assessing pediatric foot posture. It shows excellent intra-rater (ICC 0.88-0.90) and inter-rater (ICC 0.80-0.85) reliability in children aged 6-12 years. It is a simple, non-invasive tool that accurately reflects arch structure and is useful for evaluating flexible flatfoot.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  5. Calcaneal Eversion Angle

    The Calcaneal Eversion Angle is a reliable clinical measure for assessing rearfoot position in weight-bearing stance. It shows good intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.84) with consistent repeated measurements, and acceptable inter-rater reliability. Overall, it is a valid and practical tool for evaluating foot posture in both children and adults.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  6. Subtalar joint range of motion

    The subtalar joint ROM, assessed via goniometry in weight- or non-weight-bearing positions, is a reliable and valid measure in children. It shows good intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.74-0.90) and acceptable inter-rater reliability (ICC ~0.50-0.72). Overall, it is a clinically practical tool for evaluating foot and ankle mobility in pediatric populations.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  7. Footprint Index (Staheli or Chippaux):

    The Staheli Index (SI) and Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI) are reliable footprint-based tools for detecting pediatric flatfoot. They show excellent intra-rater (ICC 0.92-0.99) and good inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.79-0.96), with low measurement error (SEM 0.08-0.21, MDC 0.22-0.59). Both demonstrate strong validity through correlations with radiographic arch measures (r = 0.66-0.79).

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  8. Y-Balance Test

    The Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) is a reliable and valid measure of dynamic balance in children. It shows excellent inter-rater (ICC 0.84-0.92) and test-retest reliability (ICC 0.81-0.92), with low SEM (1.80%-3.10%) and MDC (4.98%-8.60%). These findings confirm its sensitivity and clinical usefulness for assessing dynamic postural control in pediatric populations.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

  9. Lower Extremity Functional Scale

    The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a reliable and valid patient-reported tool for assessing lower limb function in children and adolescents. It shows excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.972) and strong construct validity. It also correlates highly with pediatric quality of life measures (r = 0.859).

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted11 May 2026
  2. Study start13 Apr 2026
  3. Primary completion10 Jul 2026
  4. Study completion25 Jul 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Rafia Grammar School. Using a convenience sampling technique, children aged 7-12 years with clinically confirmed flexible pes planus will be recruited based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including cognitive readiness and flexibility of the medial arch. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups (n1=12, n2=12): one receiving foot-core training alone, and the other receiving foot-core training with visual feedback. The intervention will be performed 2 times per week for 8 weeks. The study will assess changes in gait and foot posture using standardized physical and functional outcome measures. Ethical approval will be secured before starting the study, and all evaluations will be carried out consistently throughout the trial. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 23.0.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
24 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07578974
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/RCR&AHS/25/0707
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
5 May 2026
Last updated
30 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Salinas-Torres VM, Salinas-Torres RA, Carranza-Garcia LE, Herrera-Orozco J, Tristan-Rodriguez JL. Prevalence and Clinical Factors Associated With Pes Planus Among Children and Adults: A Population-Based Synthesis and Systematic Review. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2023 Sep-Oct;62(5):899-903. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2023.05.007. Epub 2023 Jun 5.

    PubMed 37286098

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Foot Core Training and Foot Core Training with Visual Feedback in people with Flexible Flatfoot, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 15 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Foot Posture Index (time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07578974, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 30 Oct 2026.

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