The Investigation of the Correlation between Navicular Drop Degree and Static Balance, Flexibility and Strength

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 6, 255 - 262, 15.11.2025

Neslihan Altuntas Yılmaz , Beyza Çiçek , Kerime Şevval Venç , Derya Kılınç Duran

https://doi.org/10.19127/bshealthscience.1740052

Öz

The biomechanics of the human body is influenced by muscle strength and flexibility. Deformities in the foot arch can affect balance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between foot arch height and lower extremity muscle strength, flexibility, and static balance. The study included 80 individuals (56 females, 24 males) aged between 18 and 30 years. Navicular drop was assessed using the Navicular Drop Test. Static balance was evaluated with the single-leg stance test. Hip flexor and gastrocnemius flexibility were measured, and muscle strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Pes planus was observed in 27 left feet (25 moderate pronation, 2 severe pronation) and 23 right feet (20 moderate pronation, 3 severe pronation). Statistical analysis revealed no significant relationship between navicular drop degree and lower extremity muscle strength, flexibility, or static balance (P>0.05). A strong correlation was found between right and left navicular drop values (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between hip flexor flexibility and strength, balance, or navicular drop (P>0.05). However, a positive correlation was identified between dorsiflexor muscle strength and static balance (P<0.05). To improve static balance, strengthening the dorsiflexor muscles of the foot is recommended. Additionally, if navicular drop is detected on one side, early evaluation of the opposite foot is advised for preventive rehabilitation planning.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Flexibility , Navicular drop , Strength , Static balance

Etik Beyan

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Necmettin Erbakan University (Approval date: April 17, 2023, protocol code: 2023/423). Necessary institutional permissions were also granted by the faculty administration. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants through a “Voluntary Informed Consent Form” before data collection.

Teşekkür

We would like to thank all the students who participated in and supported the conduct of this research.

Kaynakça

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