Short-Term Application of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields for Static Balance of Functional Flatfeet

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on proprioception through static balance after the short-term application of PEMF in people with functional flat feet. Forty-two volunteers participated in the study. The proprioceptive index of all subjects was measured before and after exposure to PEMF for 1 week. Seventeen subjects with normal feet were not exposed to a PEMF (Group I), and PEMF was applied to 17 subjects with normal feet (Group II) and eight with functional flat feet (Group III). In Group I, there were no significant differences in any of the variables. In Group II, a significant difference was observed only in the medio-lateral value when perturbation was applied in the antero-posterior direction. In Group III, significant differences in medio-lateral, antero-posterior, and vertical values were observed when perturbation was applied in the medio-lateral direction in Group III. Although there was a learning effect with repeated measurements, the improvement in balance after PEMF application indicates that PEMF has a positive effect on the nervous system in subjects with functional flat feet.