Immediate Effects of Myofascial Release Techniques on Balance in Young Adults With Pes Planus
Condition: Flat Foot
MeSH terms: Flatfoot
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The plantar fascia is a thick, multi-layered, non-elastic fibrous tissue band that extends
      along the plantar surface of the foot.The configuration of the plantar fascia is generally
      considered as a dense, longitudinally arranged fiber band divided into medial, central, and
      lateral components. The most significant functional role of the plantar fascia is to maintain
      the arch structure of the foot, providing a stable support base while standing and absorbing
      dynamic reaction forces during walking.Pes planus is a rather general term with many
      definitions. Staheli described pes planus as a "foot with a broad base of support," commonly
      known as flatfoot in layman's terms. In a study involving 80 female participants aged 65 and
      older, 90% of foot deformities observed while standing were identified as pes planus.
      Generally, pes planus is a condition characterized by excessive pronation of the rear part of
      the foot and a lowering of the medial longitudinal arch. During the push-off phase of
      walking, the pronation moment generated by the ground reaction force flattens the arch as the
      subtalar joint rotation combines. The shift in position in the talus bone causes the
      navicular bone to drop. The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament tightens, and the tibialis
      posterior muscle lengthens. Abnormalities in the bones of the foot, dysfunction of the
      tibialis posterior muscle, Achilles tendon shortening, or muscle weakness can contribute to
      pes planus. Individuals with pes planus may experience foot and leg pain with exercise,
      physical activity, and prolonged walking, which can limit their level of physical activity.
      Research has examined the relationship between pes planus and various physical parameters,
      and it has been found that one of these parameters, balance, is negatively affected by the
      presence of pes planus.
    

Detailed description: 
      Participant information, including age, gender, height, body weight, and body mass index, was
      recorded using a general form. Dynamic and static balance was assessed before and after the
      interventions in the study groups. Three specialist physiotherapists conducted measurements
      and evaluations (navicular drop, static and dynamic balance). The assessing physiotherapist
      remained consistent throughout, and they were unaware of the participant groups. An expert in
      manual therapy administered the MRTs. Statistical analysis was performed by a separate
      researcher uninvolved in the practical aspects of the study.
    

Intervention name(s): Graston; Percussive massage
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): For the application, the individual was asked to lie face down, flex the knee to 90 degrees and release the ankle. The therapist took a position next to the individual on the side to be treated. Application was applied to the entire plantar fascia for 10 minutes in the longitudinal, vertical and oblique directions.; For the application, the individual was asked to lie face down, flex the knee to 90 degrees and release the ankle. The therapist took a position next to the individual on the side to be treated. Application was applied to the entire plantar fascia for 5 minutes in all directions without being bound to a single direction.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Pes Planus; Myofascial Release; Postural Balance; Randomized Controlled Trial