DOI: 10.38053/acmj.1978207 ISSN: 2718-0115

Immediate effects of gaze stabilization exercises on postural stability and fall risk in individuals with pes planus: a randomised controlled trial

Birol Önal, Ayşe Abit Kocaman
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Aims: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a single session of gaze stabilization exercises (GSEs) on postural stability and fall risk in individuals with pes planus.Methods: This randomised controlled trial enrolled 40 individuals with flexible pes planus (navicular drop ≥10 mm), who were randomly allocated to an exercise group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The exercise group performed a 10-minute gaze stabilization exercise protocol consisting of eight oculomotor and gaze stabilization exercises. Balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System at four time points: before the intervention (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1), 15 minutes post-intervention (T2), and 30 minutes post-intervention (T3). The Overall Stability Index, Anterior-Posterior Stability Index, Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Fall Risk scores were recorded at each assessment.Results: After adjustment for baseline values, mixed-design ANCOVA showed no significant group or group×time effects for any postural stability or fall risk outcome (all p>0.05). A significant main effect of time was observed only for the Mediolateral Stability Index (p=0.002).Conclusion: A single session of GSEs did not provide additional immediate improvements in postural stability or fall risk beyond those observed in the control condition among young adults with flexible pes planus.

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