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Journals / Anatolian Current Medical Journal / 2026 / Volume: 8 Issue: 6

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

Birol Önal(ATATÜRK ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-3540-7156
Ayşe Abit Kocaman(KIRIKKALE UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-6694-3015
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-10-25
DOI
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The Overall Stability Index, Anterior-Posterior Stability Index, Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Fall Risk scores were recorded at each assessment.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis: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.
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Key Findings & Data: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).
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Conclusion & Impact:The Overall Stability Index, Anterior-Posterior Stability Index, Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Fall Risk scores were recorded at each assessment.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Accidental falls · exercise therapy · eye movements

Abstract

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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Cite This Article

Önal, B., Kocaman, A. A. (2026). Immediate effects of gaze stabilization exercises on postural stability and fall risk in individuals with pes planus: a randomised controlled trial. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, Volume: 8 Issue: 6. https://ajindex.com/articles/1667858

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