Pressure and Traction technique improve Postural Control more than tactile stimulation in foot plantar fascia. A randomized single-blind trial

Abstract

Objetive. The objective of this randomized clinical trial is to check the acute effects of manual pressure and traction technique on balance and plantar footprint variables.

Design A Single-blind clinical study with two groups.

Setting Private practice

Participants Forty healthy participants (28 females and 12 males) were recruited to carry out a single-blind study.

Interventions. Experimental group performed a bilateral plantar fascia manual pressure and traction technique. Control group performed a tactile stimulation. The position of the participant, the therapist and the time of application of the techniques (5 minutes) were the same for both interventions.

Main Outcome Measures. We measured stabilometry variables and static footprint. The footprint variables were divided in rear, middle and front foot areas.

Results Significant differences were found in stabilometry variables. There was an improvement in experimental group at X displacement with eyes open (p=0.014) and surface eyes closed (p=0.046) variables.

Conclusions After technique the experimental group improved the stabilometry variables, specifically, surface with eyes closed and X displacement with eyes open. The static footprint variables have not shown differences after the technique compared to the control group.