Protocol: A Randomized Parallel-Group Study of Women After Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery To Compare the Effects of “Core Foot System” Training vs. Traditional Rehabilitation Methods

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Core Foot System (CFS) muscle training vs. traditional rehabilitation methods in female patients after a hallux valgus (HV) correction surgery. Methods The project will involve 60 women who have undergone a Scarf osteotomy to correct the deformity; participants will be divided into a control group and experimental group. The experimental group will follow the CFS protocol, whereas the control group will perform standard lower-limb exercises. Outcome measures will be collected twice: before the intervention and after eight weeks. Gait will be assessed using the Zebris FDM-S platform, which measures ground reaction forces during walking. The effects of the exercises on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the abductor hallucis (AbH) muscle and the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle will be measured using ultrasound imaging. Foot architecture and arch height will be measured using a podoscope. In addition, the participants will complete the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaires for the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Results Each participant will take part in 20 rehabilitation sessions over a period of eight weeks. Permission for weight-bearing on the limb, confirmed by visit to a specialist medical doctor, will be required before commencement of the rehabilitation, six weeks after the surgical procedure. The therapy will then continue for eight weeks. Conclusions We plan to develop and disseminate methodological materials on the proposed CFS method in the rehabilitation of patients after HV surgery among rehabilitation and orthopedic specialists.