Mapping evidence on whole-body vibration and lumbar stabilization exercises for postural control in individuals with flexible flatfoot: a scoping review

Abstract Background Flexible flatfeet is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with altered lower limb biomechanics, lumbo pelvic dysfunction and poor postural control. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) have each shown effectiveness in improving neuromuscular activation, proprioception, core stability and balance. However, the literature regarding their combined effects on the postural control specifically in flexible flatfeet is limited. This scoping review thus aimed to map and synthesize the existing evidence on the effects of WBV and LSE, individually, and in combination, on postural control. Methods A comprehensive search was done through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for articles pertaining to flexible flatfeet or postural control dysfunctions that evaluated the effects of WBV and/or lumbar stabilization on outcomes like balance, proprioception, postural control and neuromuscular activation; Data was then extracted using a standardized chart form and synthesized descriptively. Results A total of 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Of these, only 8 directly examined individuals with flexible flatfeet, though only 2 tested an intervention (short foot exercises) in this population; none investigated WBV or LSE specifically in flexible flatfeet. The remaining 14 studies were drawn from related populations with postural-control or core-stability impairments. Literature suggested that individuals with flexible flatfeet have impaired posture, decreased core stability and altered balance ability. Lumbar stabilization exercise and WBV individually improved postural control and neuromuscular function, while evidence for their combined use remains limited. Conclusion Evidence from WBV and LSE on postural control is mainly drawn from populations other than flexible flatfeet, and no studies to date have evaluated either intervention, alone or in combination, in flexible flatfeet specifically. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to establish their clinical effectiveness and optimal application.