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Immediate effects of a 15-minute seated yoga posture on plantar pressure in young adults with flexible flat feet: A pilot study

biomechanics
rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Flexible flat feet are associated with altered plantar pressure distribution, discomfort, and reduced postural stability. Evidence on the immediate biomechanical effects of yoga on plantar loading patterns is limited.

Objectives: To investigate the immediate effect of a 15-minute easy-seated yoga posture (sukhasana) on plantar pressure distribution in young adults with flexible flat feet.

Methods: 20 healthy young adults (10 males, 10 females; aged 18–25 years) with flexible flat feet participated in this pre–post study. Plantar pressure parameters (peak, mean, and gradient pressures) were measured during quiet standing using a calibrated pressure mat (4096 sensors; 60–100 Hz) before and immediately after a 15-minute sukhasana session. Differences between pre- and post-intervention measurements were statistical analyzed using paired-sample t-tests (p < 0.05).

Results: In males, peak plantar pressure showed non-significant reductions (left: 165.5 ± 52.3 → 164.5 ± 52.1 kPa; right: 150.0 ± 49.3 → 146.5 ± 56.4 kPa; p > 0.05), while mean pressures increased slightly. In females, left-foot peak pressure significantly decreased (232.0 ± 50.9 → 192.0 ± 51.7 kPa; −17.2%; p < 0.05) and mean pressure decreased by 21.4% (p < 0.05). Gradient pressure significantly increased in the left foot of males (+3.7%; p < 0.05) but decreased in females' left foot (left −25.5%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions: A single 15-minute session of easy-seated yoga acutely redistributes plantar pressures in young adults with flexible flat feet, particularly among females. This posture may serve as a simple, low-cost adjunct to improve plantar load distribution.

Keywords: Yoga; Plantar pressure; Flexible flat feet; Biomechanics; Postural stability; Rehabilitation

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