Effect of Myofascial Release in Addition to Foot Core Exercises in Young Adults With Asymptomatic Flexible Pes Planus

Summary

Pes planus is a foot deformity characterized by a low medial longitudinal arch. It is more common in young adults. With low arch, tension occurs in the plantar fascia. Fascia and soft tissue loading may lead to different musculoskeletal problems such as plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, patellofemoral disorders and back pain. In addition, pes planus can affect individuals' activities of daily living, productivity in occupational settings, and injury risk and performance in sports.

Treatment of pes planus includes strengthening, stretching, taping and orthotics for the foot muscles. Among these applications, strengthening of the foot core muscles is one of the most common and effective methods. By strengthening the foot core muscles, it is aimed to reduce the effect of the kinetic chain. Pes planus is a postural deformity that affects the kinetic and fascial chain, but the treatment program is usually planned regionally. With fascial continuity and fascial conduction, the tension on the plantar fascia in pes planus affects the gastro-soleus, peroneus longus and brevis, hamstring muscles, iliotibial band and thoracolumbar fascia. Stretching of the plantar fascia, which is included in current treatment programs, has only a local effect and thus cannot prevent fascial chain involvement. Myofascial release, one of the methods used to reduce the tension in the fascia, has been used frequently in recent years. Myofascial release is performed with methods such as manual, foam roller and instrument assisted release. Foam roller (cylinder foam) is a practical myofascial release method that can be self-applied by the individual.

In addition to strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot in individuals with pes planus, it has been reported that fascial chain involvement should also be taken into consideration due to the tension in the plantar fascia with low arch. This study was planned to investigate the effect of myofascial release methods on lower extremity performance in addition to foot core exercises used effectively in the treatment of pes planus.

Conditions

• Pes Planus

Interventions

OTHER

Foam Roller

Participants will be shown 7 different foot core exercises and will be instructed to do 10 repetitions 3 times a day. For 6 weeks, in addition to foot core exercises, myofascial release will be applied with foam roller 2 days a week. Myofascial release application areas; thoracolumbal fascia, iliotibial band, hamstring, gastro-soleus, peroneal, plantar fascia.

OTHER

Foot Core Exercises

Participants will be shown 7 different foot core exercises and will be instructed to do 10 repetitions 3 times a day. Foot core exercises; short foot exercise, toe flexion exercise, heel lift exercise,toe abduction exercise, big toe and other toes extension exercise, front swing exercise, back walking exercises. Participants will do the exercises with the researcher two days a week and the other days follow-up will be provided through the online platform.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Tuğba Ulusoy, PT, MSc · Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

• Ertuğrul Demirdel, Assoc.prof. · Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-20

Primary Completion

2023-05-26

Completion

2023-06-09

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations