Honors Exercise Science student Avery Dilley presents her research on the effects of the FootCore MAX on foot pain

Author: Avery Dilley | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Spring 2024

Throughout the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, I worked with my mentor, Dr. Abigail Schmitt, in the Neuromechanics of Human Movement laboratory (the MOVE lab) to study 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. With this study, we compared differences in foot pain and function before and after six weeks of training with the FootCore MAX, which was designed to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot in order to strengthen and activate them more effectively than can be achieved via typical external supports (i.e. foot orthotics).

In collecting data, we used three main 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 measured pain using the pain subscales from the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and Revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R), all of which ask participants to rank their discomfort on a range from no pain to unbearable pain when participating in a variety of activities. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was also used as a self-reported measure to quantify participants’ pain at the beginning and end of each study visit (both before and after the six-week intervention). For this exploratory analysis, we used a series of repeated measures MANOVAs to analyze differences in the different measures of foot pain, before and after the intervention, with a separate MANOVA used for each pain subscale. Finally, a paired t-test was 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 in biomechanics fascinated me from the beginning. When presented with a variety of topics to research, this project aimed at finding a therapeutic solution to a prevalent body mechanics issue stood out to me. As we have found, The FootCore MAX offers an easy, at-home, and guided way to perform low-impact exercises of the foot, and the information we have gathered from this research may be impactful in further advancing the field of Physical Therapy.

During data collections, my role was to assist with gathering and inputting measurements, setting up motion capture equipment, and giving instructions to participants throughout various balance and walking tasks. In analyzing the data throughout this past semester, I continued to work directly with Dr. Schmitt to determine the effectiveness of this device from our trials. In addition, I assisted in recruiting and enrolling study participants through online recruitment strategies. Ultimately, I had the opportunity to present my research findings at the Honors Symposium this semester, which was an invaluable opportunity to share my research with the public.

Following graduation this spring, I will be going on to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Being a part of this study during my senior year has been an extraordinary experience, and has given me incredible real-world experience as I went through the long process of applying for and interviewing with Physical Therapy programs across the country. 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, and I will be forever grateful for my experience in the University of Arkansas Honors College and the College of Health Professions.