Possibilities of physiotherapy and problematics of flat foot focus on pupils of older school age

This thesis deals with the issue of flatfoot in older school-age children and physiotherapy methods effective for this condition. The human foot underwent considerable changes during its evolution once a limb adapted to climbing, it gradually developed into an organ which enables humans locomotion and upright stance. Flatfoot is a rather common condition described as minimal to non-existent arch of the foot. The aim of this thesis is to list the physiotherapy methods which can be used to treat the condition in older school-age children, to suggest an exercise to help improve both the foot flexibility and the arch position, and to describe the effects of exercising on a person´s posture. The theoretical part of this thesis includes the description of the foot anatomy, foot functions and its functional relationships with other parts of the body. This part of my thesis also describes the flatfoot condition and possible therapy methods focused on children of older school age. The practical part is based on a qualitative research. The focus group of my research were three school children two girls aged 12 and 13 and a boy, 12 years old. The physiotherapy treatment was applied for eight weeks, once a week under my supervision, and the patients were asked to do the required set of exercises daily. The data was gathered during the initial and the final kinesiology examination and photos providing documentary evidence were enclosed. The physical examination included 3D scan assessment. Respective casuistries and both short-term and long-term individual rehabilitation plans were based on the processed data. The set of exercises was created beforehand and then modified during the therapy according to each patient´s physical ability and their current condition. The last therapy session included each patient´s subjective feedback concerning the therapy and its results. Positive results and a distinct improvement of the foot arch position and the body posture were achieved in each case