Pressure and Traction Technique Improves Postural Control More Than Tactile Stimulation in Foot Plantar Fascia: A Randomized Single-Blind Trial

Abstract

Objective: To check the acute effects of manual pressure and traction technique on balance and plantar footprint variables. Design: A single-blind clinical study with 2 groups. Setting Private practice. Participants: Healthy participants (N=40; 28 female and 12 male) 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 (5min) 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=.014) and surface eyes closed (P=.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 with the control group.