The effect of a home-based stretching exercise on the ground reaction force generation and absorption during walking in individuals with plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate effect of a home-based stretching exercise program in individuals with plantar fasciitis (PF) and to compare its effect on ground reaction force (GRF)-time variables between mild, moderate, and severe pain subgroups and between before and after in each subgroup. Design: A single cohort with pre-and post-test. Interventions: Twenty individuals with PF received 3 weeks of home-based stretching exercise for calf and plantar fascia. Main outcome measures: GRF-time variables included force and time at; first peak (F1 and TF1), valley (F2 and TF2), second peak (F3 and TF3) in vertical, breaking (F4 and TF4) and propulsive (F5 and TF5) forces, first peak (F6 and TF6) and second peak lateral (F7 and TF7) forces. Additionally, worst pain was assessed at before and after exercise. Results: Significant reductions were seen in F2, TF2, TF3, TF5 and worst pain after exercise (P < 0.05) in individuals with PF. No differences were seen between three subgroups. For within subgroup analysis, only mild subgroup showed significant changes in F2, TF2, F4, TF6, and TF7 after exercise (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A home-based stretching exercise was effective in reducing pain and some GRF-time variables, with the most noticeable response seen in mild subgroup.