Dynamic Balance in Children Aged 10-11 Years With and Without Flat Foot

Abstract

Flat foot is a condition characterized by a decrease or loss of the medial arch of the foot, which can affect the biomechanical function of the lower extremities. These changes have the potential to disrupt weight distribution, balance, and postural control. Dynamic balance is very important for school-age children in daily activities. Research on the relationship between flat foot and dynamic balance in children aged 10-11 years is still limited. This age group has a foot arch that has relatively mature so that flat foot condition can have an impact on fatigue when walking, balance disorder, increased risk of injury, and pain in the feet. This study aimed to determine the relationship between flat feet and dynamic balance in children aged 10-11 years. This study used a cross-sectional design with consecutive sampling of 50 children as the research sample. Subjects consisted of children aged 10-11 years who met the research inclusion criteria. Flat foot assessment used the Wet Footprint Test method with Clarke's Angle parameters. Dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance Test. Univariate analysis was performed to describe the characteristics of the research subjects. Bivariate analysis used Fisher's Exact Test to assess the relationship between flat foot and dynamic balance. The results showed that the most subjects (90%) had abnormal dynamic balance. Abnormal dynamic balance was found in 84% of subjects in the flat foot group and 96% of subjects in the non-flat foot group.  The results of the Fisher Exact Test analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between flat foot and dynamic balance (p=0.349; OR=4.571; 95% CI: 0.473-44.170). There is no significant relationship between flat foot and dynamic balance in children aged 10-11 years.