Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Flat foot is an umbrella term to describe ]feet with a visually lowered medial longitudinal arch. Kinesio taping (KT) is a new therapeutic modality used to improve balance. Short foot exercise (SFE) can contract intrinsic muscles of the foot only to increase the inner arch of the foot. Purpose: it was to determine the effect of ankle taping and short foot exercise on dynamic balance in flat foot. Methods: Thirty subjects from both sex with age ranged from 17-30 years with bilateral flat feet were participated in this study. They were assigned randomly and equally to two groups. Overall stability index 2OSI3, anteroposterior stability index 2AP-SI3, and mediolateral stability index 2ML- SI3 were measured pre and post treatment by Biodex Balance System. Each subject received 2 treatment sessions per week for 6 weeks; group A received ankle taping; group B received short foot exercise. Results: There was no significant difference in dynamic balance including (OSI, APSI and MLSI) of the Biodex at stability level (8), While there was a significant difference in both groups in all dependent variables at stability level (4). Conclusion: Ankle taping and short foot exercise can improve dynamic balance in flat foot with no statistical difference between both methods

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