The impact of Risser exercises on plantar arch formation in kindergarten children with flat feet

Background: Flat feet are an orthopedic problem that affects the biomechanics of the foot and also the musculoskeletal system. It manifests itself with the loss of the longitudinal arch due to a weakness of the intrinsic musculature of the foot. This type of foot is very common in school children, which must be addressed at this age, to avoid biomechanical complications in the future. Objective: to determine the effect of Risser exercises on the formation of the plantar arch of children with flat feet. Methods: the Hernández Corvo method was applied in the pre-evaluation for the analysis of the plantar footprint in children from a school in the city of Guayaquil, where children who had flat feet were identified. The Risser exercises were performed on them to strengthen the muscles of the sole of the foot and form the plantar arch. These were performed 3 times a week at school, and the exercises were taught to the parents by the physiotherapist. Results: the post-evaluation of the plantar footprint was carried out, the results showed the formation of the longitudinal arch of the foot with the Risser exercises, meaning that the flat foot improved, giving rise to a normal flat foot. Conclusions: with the Risser exercises, favorable effects were obtained in the formation of the plantar arch in childhood flat feet. The results showed the formation of the longitudinal arch of the foot with the Risser exercises, meaning that the flat foot improved, giving rise to a normal flat foot.