This study investigates whether adding Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) to Short Foot Exercises (SFE) improves pes planus, balance, and body awareness in adults with flexible pes planus. Fifty participants aged 18-45 will be randomly assigned to either a BBAT + SFE group or an SFE-only control group. The interventions will last eight weeks with supervised sessions twice weekly and additional home exercises. Outcomes will be measured before, after, and two months post-intervention.
Pes planus is a common orthopedic condition characterized by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, which negatively affects lower extremity biomechanics, postural stability, and balance. Currently, interventions targeting muscle activation-such as short foot exercises (SFE)-are widely used in the management of pes planus. However, it is believed that holistic approaches incorporating sensory input and body awareness may further enhance functional outcomes in these individuals. Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) is a physiotherapeutic method designed to improve movement quality, balance, and posture. In this study, BBAT will be applied for the first time in individuals with pes planus. This project aims to investigate the effects of BBAT, when combined with SFE, on medial longitudinal arch height, foot function, gait, balance, proprioception, plantar sensation, and body awareness in individuals with pes planus. The study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial. Fifty participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into two groups of 25: a BBAT group (SFE + BBAT) and a control group (SFE only). Interventions will be administered twice a week for a duration of eight weeks. Assessments will be conducted at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after the eight-week intervention period, and two months post-intervention (follow-up). This study aims to demonstrate that BBAT can provide significant improvements in both somatic and sensory parameters in individuals with pes planus, offering a holistic complement to traditional exercise-based approaches. In doing so, it is expected to contribute an innovative perspective to clinical physiotherapy practices and address a significant gap in the existing literature.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
Participants will perform Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) combined with SFE for 8 weeks. BBAT sessions are 45 minutes, twice weekly in small groups under a certified physiotherapist. Exercises target postural control, motor coordination, body awareness, balance, and functional movement, progressing from supine to sitting, standing, and walking positions. After each BBAT session, participants perform SFE following the same progression as the Control Group.
Participants will perform Short Foot Exercises (SFE) for 8 weeks. Sessions are twice weekly under physiotherapist supervision in small groups (3-8 participants) and 5 days/week at home. Exercises progress from sitting (weeks 1-2), standing (weeks 3-4), single-leg (weeks 5-6), to functional activities (weeks 7-8). Each session lasts \~20 minutes, 3 sets of 10 reps with 1-minute rest. Participants receive instruction on proper technique and adherence is monitored online
Mardin Artuklu University
Mardin, Mardi̇n, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGNavicular Drop Test
Assessment of medial longitudinal arch height to determine presence and severity of pes planus. Test performed in both sitting (non-weight-bearing) and standing (weight-bearing) positions. Difference ≥10 mm indicates pes planus.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months after intervention)
Dynamic Balance
Y Balance Test measuring reach distance in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Results normalized to leg length.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Proprioception
Active and passive joint position sense of the ankle measured with digital goniometer. Eyes closed; angular error from target angle recorded.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Light Touch Sensation
Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test at seven foot reference points. Threshold of sensation recorded.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Foot Function Index - Pain Subscale
The Pain subscale of the Foot Function Index (FFI) assesses foot pain during daily activities. It includes 9 items rated on a 0-10 Likert-type scale. Higher scores indicate worse pain.self-rate 23 items using a visual analog scale.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Foot Function Index - Disability Subscale
The Disability subscale of the Foot Function Index (FFI) evaluates difficulty in performing functional activities. It contains 9 items scored on a 0-10 Likert-type scale. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
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TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Foot Function Index - Activity Limitation Subscale
The Activity Limitation subscale of the Foot Function Index (FFI) measures limitations in essential daily activities. It consists of 5 items rated on a 0-10 Likert-type scale. Higher scores indicate greater activity limitation.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Foot Function Index - Total Score
The Total Score of the Foot Function Index (FFI) is calculated by combining all pain, disability, and activity limitation items (23 items in total). Each item is rated on a 0-10 Likert-type scale. The total score reflects the overall foot-related functional status, with higher scores indicating worse function.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Static Balance
Flamingo Balance Test. Participant stands on one leg on a narrow beam for 1 minute; balance errors recorded.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Gait Performance
10-Meter Walk Test performed at comfortable walking speed. Time recorded and averaged over three trials.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)
Body Awareness
Body Awareness Questionnaire assessing participant's perception of bodily sensations and processes. Score range 18-126; higher scores indicate better awareness.
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), follow-up (2 months)