Effectiveness of Manuel Therapy Methods in Pes Planus

Hande Guney Deniz

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Pes Planus

Treatments: Other: joint mobilization; Other: myofascial release

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07326020

pesplanus2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to compare the immediate effects of joint-oriented manual therapy and soft tissue-oriented manual therapy on dorsiflexion angle, static and dynamic balance, muscle-tendon mechanical properties, and thermal variables in physically active individuals with flexible pes planus. The research will be conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Individuals aged 18-35 years with a Tegner Activity Score between 4 and 6 will be included. Participants will be allocated into three groups: soft tissue-oriented manual therapy group, joint-oriented manual therapy group, and healthy control group. Following randomization, the respective intervention will be applied to the intervention groups, while no intervention will be administered to the control group. Assessments will include the dorsiflexion range of motion (weight-bearing lunge test), myotonometric measurements (Myoton-Pro), static balance (Kinvent force platform), dynamic balance (Y-balance test), and thermographic imaging (FLIR E52). The outcomes of this study are expected to contribute to understanding the immediate effectiveness of manual therapy approaches applied in asymptomatic pes planus and to identify the method providing optimal benefit. Furthermore, the differences observed between individuals with pes planus and healthy controls will serve as a guide for clinical assessments of pes planus.

Enrollment: 33 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria for the Intervention Group:

• Navicular Drop Test ≥ 10 mm
• Foot Posture Index (FPI) > 6
• Tegner Activity Scale score between 4 and 6 (inclusive)
• Age between 18 and 35 years

Inclusion Criteria for the Control Group:

• Age between 18 and 35 years
• Navicular Drop Test < 10 mm
• Foot Posture Index (FPI) between 0 and 6 (inclusive)
• Tegner Activity Scale score between 4 and 6 (inclusive)

Exclusion Criteria for the Intervention Group:

• Diagnosis of posterior tibial tendinopathy by an orthopedic surgeon
• Presence of plantar fasciitis or moderate/severe hallux valgus
• History of lower extremity surgery or trauma
• Presence of neurological, metabolic, or other musculoskeletal disorders that may affect gait or balance performance
• Receipt of any treatment for pes planus within the past year
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m²
• Regular participation in sports activities

Exclusion Criteria for the Control Group:

• Presence of plantar fasciitis or moderate/severe hallux valgus
• Presence of pes cavus deformity
• History of lower extremity surgery or trauma
• Presence of neurological, metabolic, or other musculoskeletal disorders that may affect gait or balance performance
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m²
• Participation in professional-level sports activities

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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33 participants in 3 patient groups

control

No Intervention group

Description:

healthy control group without intervention

joint mobilization group

Experimental group

Description:

subtalar and midtarsal joint mobilization in patients with flexible pes planus

Treatment:

Other: joint mobilization

myofascial release group

Experimental group

Description:

calf and plantar fascia release in patients with flexible pes planus

Treatment:

Other: myofascial release