The Effect of Comprehensive Corrective Exercise on the Function of Lower Limb and Joint Position Sense in Female Karatekas With Flatfoot

Karate is one of the most popular martial arts around the world, and flatfoot deformity is one of the most common disorders in people participating in this sport. This disorder can negatively affect the function and joint position sense (JPS). This study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of comprehensive corrective exercise training on the function of the lower limb and JPS in female karatekas with flatfoot.

In this field trial study, 40 female karatekas with flexible flatfoot postures were recruited and randomly divided into two groups of exercise and control. The Staheli index test was performed for all subjects to assess the condition of the foot posture, as one of the inclusion criteria also, single leg 6-m timed hop test, single leg triple hop for distance test, and ankle joint JPS were used to evaluate the function of the lower limb. Then, the exercise group performed 6 weeks of corrective exercises, but the control group did not perform any specific exercises during this period. After 6 weeks, the tests were repeated. A covariance analysis test was used to evaluate the between-groups differences, and paired sample t-test was used to evaluate the within-group changes.

Corrective exercise group in the post-test had a better performance than the pre-test in the Staheli index test, JPS, the single leg 6-m timed hop test, and single leg triple hop for distance test (P=0.0001). However, in the control group, no significant difference was observed between the two stages of the test (P>0.05). Also, by comparing groups in the post-test via the Staheli index test, JPS, single leg 6-m timed hop test, and single leg triple hop for distance test. It was found that the experimental group achieved better results than the control group (P>0.05).

Six weeks of comprehensive corrective training has significantly improved foot posture, JPS, and function of the lower limb in female karatekas with flatfoot. Thus, comprehensive corrective exercises can be used in this group to improve foot posture, JPS, and function of the lower limb.