ClinicalTrials.gg
RecruitingNCT07286773Updated Feb 6, 2026

Biofeedback-Assisted Short Foot Exercises in Flexible Flatfoot

An interventional study of Biofeedback assisted exercises and Supervised exercises in Pes Planus, sponsored by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa. Recruiting at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 45 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-06.

Sponsored by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Started Dec 2025; still recruiting 10 months later.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
30
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 45 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of biofeedback-assisted short foot exercises and traditional short foot exercises in individuals with flexible pes planus. The study aims to determine whether adding biofeedback to short foot exercises leads to greater improvements in foot biomechanics, balance, and functional ability.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise improve plantar pressure distribution and foot posture more than traditional short foot exercise? Does the use of biofeedback result in greater improvements in balance and functional ability? Researchers will compare a biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise program to a traditional short foot exercise program to evaluate their effects on plantar pressure distribution, foot posture, balance, ankle range of motion, and functional outcomes.

Participants will:

Be randomly assigned to either a traditional short foot exercise group or a biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise group Participate in a supervised exercise program twice per week for 6 weeks Complete pre- and post-intervention assessments, including plantar pressure analysis, balance tests, foot posture evaluation, and self-reported functional questionnaires

02

Conditions studied

  • Pes Planus

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Keywords

  • Flexible Flatfoot
  • Short Foot Exercise
  • Biofeedback Training
03

In context

Flatfoot

173 studies on the registry are indexed under Flatfoot; 44 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 30 is below the median of 40 across 122 interventional studies indexed under Flatfoot.

Browse Flatfoot studies →

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa is the lead sponsor of 699 studies on the registry; 213 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 45 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Voluntary participants aged 18 to 45 years
  • Diagnosis of flexible pes planus
  • No history of surgery, fracture, or psychiatric disorder

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of rigid pes planus
  • Age younger than 18 years or older than 45 years
  • History of psychiatric disorder or lower extremity trauma
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    BF Group

    Other: Biofeedback assisted exercises

  • Active comparator
    Exerc Group

    Other: Supervised exercises

Interventions

  • OtherBiofeedback assisted exercises

    Biofeedback-assisted short foot exercise group

  • OtherSupervised exercises

    Short foot exercise only group

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

    The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire designed to assess functional limitations associated with foot and ankle conditions. It consists of two subscales: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty). The total score for each subscale is converted to a percentage, with higher scores indicating better functional ability. The FAAM has been shown to be reliable, valid, and responsive to clinical change in individuals with musculoskeletal impairments of the foot and ankle.

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

    The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire used to assess functional limitations associated with foot and ankle conditions. It consists of two subscales: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty). Total scores for each subscale are converted to percentage scores, with higher values indicating better functional performance. The FAAM has demonstrated good reliability, validity, and responsiveness to clinical change in individuals with musculoskeletal impairments of the foot and ankle.

    Time frame: 6 week

  3. Pedobarographic Analysis

    Pedobarographic analysis is an objective method used to assess plantar pressure distribution and contact area during static standing or walking. Measurements are obtained using a computerized pressure platform that records static and dynamic foot loading patterns in real time. During the assessment, participants stand or walk barefoot on the pedobarographic platform. The system measures the magnitude and distribution of plantar pressures and contact area across different regions of the foot, including the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This analysis provides quantitative data on load symmetry, pressure distribution, and medial-lateral balance, which are key indicators of foot biomechanics and medial longitudinal arch function.

    Time frame: Baseline

  4. Pedobarographic Analys

    Pedobarographic analysis is an objective method used to assess plantar pressure distribution and contact area during static standing and walking. Measurements are obtained using a computerized pressure platform that records static and dynamic foot-loading patterns in real time. During the assessment, participants stand or walk barefoot on the pedobarographic platform. The system measures the magnitude and distribution of plantar pressures and contact area across different regions of the foot, including the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. This analysis provides quantitative data on load symmetry, pressure concentration, and medial-lateral balance, which are important indicators of foot biomechanics and medial longitudinal arch function.

    Time frame: 6 Week

Secondary outcomes

  1. Active Range of Motion

    Active ankle range of motion, including plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, will be measured according to the guidelines described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a digital goniometer.

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. Active Range of Motion

    Active ankle range of motion, including plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, will be measured in accordance with the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a digital goniometer.

    Time frame: 6 week

  3. FPI-6 (Foot Posture Index-6)

    The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate static foot posture. It consists of six observational criteria: talar head palpation, curvature above and below the lateral malleolus, calcaneal position in the frontal plane, prominence of the talonavicular joint, height and congruence of the medial longitudinal arch, and forefoot abduction/adduction. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale ranging from -2 (indicating supination) to +2 (indicating pronation), resulting in a total score ranging from -12 to +12. Lower scores indicate a more supinated foot posture, whereas higher scores indicate a more pronated foot posture. A score close to zero represents a neutral foot alignment. Interpretation of Scores * 12 to -5: Highly supinated * 4 to -1: Slightly supinated 0 to +5: Neutral * 6 to +9: Pronated * 10 to +12: Highly pronated

    Time frame: 6 Week

  4. Navicular Drop Test

    The Navicular Drop Test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the degree of medial longitudinal arch collapse by measuring the difference between non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing positions of the foot. During the test, the vertical height of the navicular tuberosity from the floor is measured in both a seated (non-weight-bearing) and a standing (weight-bearing) position using a ruler or digital caliper. The difference between these two measurements, expressed in millimeters (mm), represents the navicular drop value. A greater navicular drop value indicates increased pronation and lowering of the medial longitudinal arch, whereas smaller values suggest a more neutral or supinated foot posture. Outcome Metric Difference in navicular height (mm) between seated and standing positions Interpretation of Results \< 5 mm: Minimal or no arch drop (supinated tendency) 5-9 mm: Normal range ≥ 10 mm: Excessive pronation / flatfoot tendency

    Time frame: Baseline

  5. Y-Balance Test

    The Y-Balance Test is a dynamic balance assessment tool used to evaluate an individual's ability to maintain postural control while reaching in multiple directions. The participant stands on one leg at the center of a Y-shaped grid and reaches as far as possible with the contralateral leg in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The maximum reach distance for each direction is measured in centimeters (cm) and normalized to leg length to reduce inter-individual variability. The test is performed on both lower extremities, and the mean of three successful trials in each direction is recorded. Greater reach distances indicate better dynamic balance performance, whereas shorter reach distances or asymmetry between limbs may indicate balance deficits. Outcome Metrics: Reach distance (cm) in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions Composite Y-Balance Score (%) = \[(Anterior + Posteromedial + Posterolateral) / (3 × Limb length)\] × 100

    Time frame: Baseline

  6. FPI-6 (Foot Posture Index-6)

    The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate static foot posture. It consists of six observational criteria: talar head palpation, curvature above and below the lateral malleolus, calcaneal position in the frontal plane, prominence of the talonavicular joint, height and congruence of the medial longitudinal arch, and forefoot abduction/adduction. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale, ranging from -2 (indicating supination) to +2 (indicating pronation), resulting in a total score ranging from -12 to +12. Lower scores indicate a more supinated foot posture, whereas higher scores indicate a more pronated foot posture. A score close to zero represents a neutral foot alignment. Interpretation of Scores * 12 to -5: Highly supinated * 4 to -1: Slightly supinated 0 to +5: Neutral * 6 to +9: Pronated * 10 to +12: Highly pronated

    Time frame: Baseline

  7. Y-Balance Test

    The Y-Balance Test is a dynamic balance assessment tool used to evaluate an individual's ability to maintain postural control while reaching in multiple directions. The participant stands on one leg at the center of a Y-shaped grid and reaches as far as possible with the contralateral leg in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The maximum reach distance for each direction is measured in centimeters (cm) and normalized to leg length to reduce inter-individual variability. The test is performed on both lower extremities, and the mean of three successful trials in each direction is recorded. Greater reach distances indicate better dynamic balance performance, whereas shorter reach distances or asymmetry between limbs may indicate balance deficits. Outcome Metrics Reach distance (cm) in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions Composite Y-Balance Score (%) = \[(Anterior + Posteromedial + Posterolateral) / (3 × Limb length)\] × 100

    Time frame: 6 Week

  8. Navicular Drop Test

    The Navicular Drop Test is a clinical measurement used to assess the degree of medial longitudinal arch collapse by comparing the foot in non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing positions. During the test, the vertical height of the navicular tuberosity from the floor is measured in both a seated (non-weight-bearing) and a standing (weight-bearing) position using a ruler or digital caliper. The difference between these two measurements, expressed in millimeters (mm), represents the navicular drop value. A greater navicular drop value indicates increased pronation and lowering of the medial longitudinal arch, whereas smaller values suggest a more neutral or supinated foot posture. Outcome Metric Difference in navicular height (mm) between seated and standing positions Interpretation of Results \< 5 mm: Minimal or no arch drop (supinated tendency) 5-9 mm: Normal range ≥ 10 mm: Excessive pronation / flatfoot tendency

    Time frame: 6 week

07

Study locations

1 of 2 sites recruiting
  • İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa
    Istanbul, Büyükçekmece 34500, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Not yet recruiting
  • Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University
    Istanbul, Fatih 34104, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: Undecided

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Started Dec 2025 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Sep 2026, 9 months after the start.

Of 89 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Flatfoot, half reached primary completion within 7 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 2 and three quarters within 15. This study's planned 9 months is above that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 89 studies reached it within 7 months; a quarter within 2 and three quarters within 15.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Dec 3, 2025
First posted
Dec 16, 2025
StartActual
Dec 22, 2025
Primary completionEst.
Sep 22, 2026
CompletionEst.
Oct 22, 2026
Last update
Feb 6, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Feb 6, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07286773
Responsible party
Taner Alparslan (Principal Investigator, Physiotherapist, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa) — Principal investigator
First posted
Dec 16, 2025
Start date
Dec 22, 2025
Primary completion
Sep 22, 2026 (estimated)
Completion
Oct 22, 2026 (estimated)
Last update
Feb 6, 2026

Study contacts

Taner Alparslan, Physiotherapist
Contact
babaknavid@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
00902128663700
Sezen KARABÖRKLÜ ARGUT, Asst. Prof. Dr.
Contact
s.karaborkluargut@iuc.edu.tr
00902128663700
Taner ALPARSLAN, PT, Master's student
principal investigator · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Sezen KARABÖRKLÜ ARGUT, Asst. Prof. Dr.
principal investigator · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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