Comparing Effects of Custom Foot Orthotic Intervention to Foot-Core Training Protocol on Lower Extremity Kinematics in Runners With Pes Planus

Running is a full body movement that requires the feet to support the body and absorb forces greater than the individual's body weight in a repeated fashion. If the musculoskeletal structures of the feet cannot withstand and disperse the force applied, injury and dysfunction will occur. Without the inherent support of the foot musculature, ligaments are strained, and bones of the foot and ankle must absorb all forces, directly. When the medial longitudinal arch cannot be supported, the entire structure collapses, causing the foot to pronate. These postural signs indicate pes planus, or flat feet. Custom foot orthoses (CFOs) are commonly used to manage pes planus and research within the last 25 years has not provided clear insight on how CFOs influence running mechanics of joints and segments proximal to the foot (knee and hip). Additionally, CFO intervention has not been compared to exercise programming that focuses on strengthening the muscles that provide the foot with intrinsic strength. This study will provide insight on how these two interventions may influence foot biomechanics in the pes planus foot. We are hopeful that our findings can help to inform rehabilitation professionals in how different interventions can alter biomechanical outcomes related to pes planus. Previous literature also commonly focuses on an aging or sedentary individuals, while this study will focus on young active participants with a pes planus foot type. Healthy recreational runners between the ages of 18-35 years old with pes planus will be recruited to participate. Participants will be randomly appointed to one of two groups: 1) the CFO group will wear CFOs for 8 weeks; and 2) the exercise group will be assigned an exercise protocol to complete each day for eight weeks. Participation will consist of completion of a prolonged run protocol in two testing sessions, pre- and post-intervention, and compliance to their assigned intervention. Three-dimensional kinematic data will be collec