Nizar Abdul Majeed Kutty

University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia

Abstract Title: Effect of Short Foot Exercise on Arch Height and Static Standing Balance in Young Adults with Flexible Flatfoot: Implications for Community-Based Rehabilitation

Biography: Nizar holds a Master's degree in Orthopedic Physiotherapy from Mahatma Gandhi University and is pursuing a PhD program. He is a senior lecturer at the University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia. He has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals and has served as an editorial board member of several reputed journals.

Research Interest: Flexible flatfoot is a common foot condition often associated with altered biomechanics and impaired postural control in young adults. Short Foot Exercise (SFE) is a low-cost intervention that targets intrinsic foot muscles; however, evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. This study assesses the effect of Short Foot Exercise on medial longitudinal arch height and static standing balance in young adults with flexible flatfoot. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on participants aged 18–25 years diagnosed with flexible flatfoot using the Navicular Drop Test. A six-week SFE program was implemented, progressing from a sitting position to a single-leg stance. Arch height and balance were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Navicular Drop Test and Single Leg Stance Test. Pre- and post-intervention data were analysed using appropriate inferential statistics (p < 0.05). Following a six-week short foot exercise (SFE) program, participants exhibited significant improvements in foot structure and balance. Mean navicular drop decreased from 11.48 ± 2.69 mm to 6.74 ± 2.05 mm in the left foot and from 10.33 ± 0.80 mm to 6.88 ± 1.17 mm in the right foot (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d > 2.0). Single-Leg Stance duration increased from 14.27 ± 6.38 s to 29.32 ± 12.14 s for the left foot and from 27.28 ± 15.26 s to 34.60 ± 17.01 s for the right foot (p < 0.01, Cohen’s d > 1.0). These findings indicate that SFE is highly effective in enhancing medial longitudinal arch height and static balance in young adults with flexible flatfoot. Incorporating objective balance measures, such as force plate analysis, and evaluating functional outcomes, such as gait and physical performance, would further strengthen the evidence base.