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Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation of Foot Muscles: Effects on Medial Longitudinal Arch Height and Foot Muscle Strength in Adults With Flat Feet
Sponsor: University of Ljubljana
Summary
This study examines the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on foot invertor muscle strength, morphology, and the height of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) in individuals with flat feet. The rPMS will be applied non-invasively to the extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles three times per week for twelve weeks. The experimental group will receive rPMS targeting the invertor muscles of the foot, while the control group will not receive stimulation but will follow the same measurement schedule. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome will be the change in the height of the MLA, evaluated using dynamic navicular drop assessment during gait. Secondary outcomes will include changes in the isometric inversion torque of the foot invertors and morphological adaptations of the tibialis posterior muscle assessed by ultrasound imaging. This study seeks to determine whether rPMS can improve the height of the MLA, foot invertor muscle strength and structural stability in adults with flat feet. The findings may contribute to developing new, non-invasive therapeutic approaches for improving foot function and preventing musculoskeletal imbalances related to flat foot deformity.
Official title: Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation of Foot Muscles
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-12-15
Completion Date
2027-12-31
Last Updated
2025-11-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS)
Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) will be applied to the foot invertor muscles three times per week for 12 weeks. Stimulation will target the upper third of the anteromedial side of the shin, near the tibia, using an oval magnetic coil. To ensure correct coil placement, visible muscle contraction and ankle inversion will be monitored. Intrinsic foot muscles will be simultaneously stimulated using a foot stimulator, with the nondominant foot positioned on the stimulation platform. Participants will perform isometric inversion contractions during rPMS to enhance neuromuscular activation and short-foot exercises to engage local foot stabilizers.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia