Avery Dilley researches the effects of the FootCore MAX on flat foot pain

Author: Avery Dilley | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Fall 2023

Over the course of the fall 2023 semester, I worked with my mentor, Dr. Abigail Schmitt, in the Neuromechanics of Human Movement laboratory (the MOVE lab) to assess how use of the FootCore MAX device affects foot pain in individuals with flat feet, foot dysfunction, or plantar fasciitis. Flat feet, or pes planus, are a known and prevalent cause of pain and varying degrees of disability. “Flat foot” is typically defined as a medical condition where the foot does not have a normal medial longitudinal arch in its weight-bearing position. In this study, we are comparing differences in foot pain and function before and after six weeks of training with the FootCore MAX, which strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot in order to activate them more effectively than can be achieved via external support (i.e. foot orthotics).

When collecting data, we are using questionnaires to assess each participant’s pain, disability, and activity limitations, as well as physical function in those with foot and ankle pathologies or impairments. We are measuring pain using the pain subscales from the FAOS, FADI, and FFI-R questionnaires, which all have the participants rank their discomfort on a range from no pain to unbearable pain for a variety of activities. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is also utilized as a self-reported measure to quantify participants’ pain at multiple points throughout the study. For this exploratory analysis, we are using a series of repeated measures MANOVAs to analyze differences in the different measures of foot pain, before and after the six-week intervention, with a separate MANOVA used for each pain subscale. Finally, a paired t-test is used to compare self-reported VAS pain scores pre- and post-intervention.

I first got involved with the MOVE lab as a study participant in the fall 2022 semester, and Dr. Schmitt’s work fascinated me from the beginning. When given a choice of topics to research, this project aimed at finding a therapeutic solution to a common problem certainly stood out to me. The FootCore MAX may offer an easy, at-home, and guided way to perform low-impact exercises of the foot, and the information we gather from this research can be powerful in further advancing the field of Physical Therapy.

During data collections, my role has been to assist with gathering and inputting measurements, setting up motion capture equipment, and giving instructions to participants throughout various tasks. In analyzing the data during the spring of 2024, I plan to work directly with Dr. Schmitt and all other members of this project to determine the effectiveness of this device from our trials. In addition, I plan to assist in recruiting and enrolling more participants, both through online and in-person measures. Ultimately, I will be presenting my research findings at the Honors Symposium at the end of the spring semester.

Following graduation in the spring of 2024, I will be going on to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Being a part of this study during my senior year has been invaluable, and has given me incredible real-world experience as I have gone through the process of applying for and interviewing with Physical Therapy programs. The nature of this research has challenged me academically, as well as served to only increase my interest and motivation to work in this field. Having guidance from Dr. Schmitt and other clinical faculty on this project has provided incredible insight into all this ever-evolving field has to offer.