Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Schmitt, Abigail

Committee Member/Reader

Parke, Elizabeth

Abstract

Background: Foot pain can significantly affect one’s quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. Current interventions for foot pathologies are often directed at externally supporting the foot, rather than training the small, intrinsic muscles to function as they are intended to. The FootCore MAX is an exercise device designed to strengthen and promote better activation of the intrinsic muscles of the foot in order to improve foot function.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intrinsic foot strengthening exercises using the FootCore MAX on alleviating foot pain. It hypothesized that the regular use of this device over six weeks would reduce pain and discomfort in those with foot pain, giving relief to those with this chronic condition.

Methodology: This study compared differences in foot pain before and after six weeks of training with the FootCore MAX. A total of 13 participants took part in this study (3 male, 10 female, age: 25 ± 4 years). Visits to the lab included answering questionnaires, taking measurements of foot morphology, and a series of balance and walking tasks. A Visual Analog Scale was used to assess pain before and after the balance and walking tasks. Pain was measured using the pain subscales from the FAOS, FADI, and FFI-R, and a series of paired t-tests were used to analyze differences in the measures of foot pain.

Results: There was a significant difference in participants’ FAOS (p= 0.020), FADI (p= 0.016), and FFI-R (p< 0.001) pain subscale scores following six weeks of intervention. In addition, there was a significant difference in participants’ self-reported Visual Analog Scale values post-visit (p= 0.026). However, there was no significant difference in participants’ VAS values pre-visit (p= 0.257).

Discussion: The results of this study regarding the efficacy of the FootCore MAX suggest a decrease in foot pain symptoms in individuals with foot dysfunction after six weeks of intervention. The results of the FAOS, FADI, and FFI-R pain subscales, and the pre-visit VAS measure, show a significant difference in pain levels. The results of the post-visit VAS measure reveal no significant differences in pain levels; however, a decrease in mean scores across all measures suggests a meaningful decrease in perceived foot pain levels overall. Overall, the findings of this study are positive, as three of four measures indicated a reduction in pain. More studies may be needed to further investigate the efficacy of the FootCore MAX on alleviating foot pain in individuals with foot dysfunction.

Keywords

FootCore MAX; foot pain; flat feet; pes planus; plantar fasciitis

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