Hamsrting Stretching on Dynamic Balance, Foot Posture and Function in Pronated Feet.

Over-pronated foot is responsible for up to 60-90% of all foot and lower extremity pathologies associated with overuse injuries. This biomechanically abnormal foot posture alters the normal transitions of the subtalar joint required during dynamic activities. Therefore, deviations of the foot from its normal posture, place the foot under excessive stress and demand on the postural control .

The hamstring muscles, as the primary flexors of the knee, play a crucial role in maintaining balance due to their involvement across both the hip and knee joints. Limited flexibility in this muscle group can negatively impact balance performance and increase the risk of lower extremity injuries, pelvic and spinal misalignment, hip immobility, and pain. Stretching is a commonly used method to enhance joint range of motion and muscle extensibility, which supports injury prevention and rehabilitation, and may also improve balance through various physiological mechanisms .

Static hamstring stretching may lead to improved gait mechanics, enhanced stability, and reduced discomfort during weight-bearing activities due to the fascial connection between the hamstring muscle and plantar foot muscles, so incorporating static hamstring stretching into the physiotherapy program for individuals with pronated feet may alter foot posture, improve the dynamic balance and lower the risk of injuries associated with pronated feet.

Several techniques have been applied for improving dynamic balance and foot posture, but there was a gap in the previous literatures about using static hamstring stretch in rehabilitation of pronated feet, so this study will be conducted to determine effect of static hamstring stretch on dynamic balance and foot posture in pronated feet individuals.

Inclusion criteria

• 1-Individual's age ranged from 18-25 years old both genders. 2- Individuals had bilateral pronated feet posture according to the navicular drop test by Brody method .

3- individuals had bilateral hamstring tightness assessed by active knee extension (AKE) test .

4- Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/ m2 .

Exclusion criteria

• - Repeated lower extremity injuries as fractures or deformities. 2- History of surgery to the lower extremity. 3- Any neurological deficit affecting balance. 4-Any medication can affect the balance. 5- pregnant and breast feeding females. 6- fixed flat foot 7- Individuals with unilateral pronated foot. 8- Sleep disorders or chronic fatigue conditions (e.g., insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome).

9- Uncontrolled diabetes (especially with peripheral neuropathy). 10- Visual impairments (e.g., uncorrected vision problems, glaucoma, or macular degeneration).