The influence of myofascial release on pain and selected indicators of flat foot in adults: a controlled randomized trial

Abstract

Flat foot pain is a common complaint that requires therapeutic intervention. Currently, myofascial release techniques are often used in the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. A group of 60 people suffering from flat feet with associated pain. Patients were assigned to four groups (15 people each): MF—myofascial release, E—the exercise program, MFE—myofascial release and the exercise program, C—no intervention. The rehabilitation program lasted 4 weeks. The NRS scale was used to examine pain intensity and FreeMed ground reaction force platform was used to examine selected static and dynamic foot indicators. Statistically significant pain reduction was obtained in all research. A static test of foot load distribution produced statistically significant changes only for selected indicators. In the dynamic test, statistically significant changes were observed for selected indicators, only in the groups subjected to therapeutic intervention. Most such changes were observed in the MF group. In the dynamic test which assessed the support phase of the foot, statistically significant changes were observed only for selected subphases. Most such changes were observed in the MFE group. Both exercise and exercise combined with myofascial release techniques, and especially myofascial release techniques alone, significantly reduce pain in a flat foot. This study shows a limited influence of both exercises and myofascial release techniques on selected static and dynamic indicators of a flat foot.

Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Techniques in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Meta-Analysis

“…In contrast, dynamic tests showed statistically significant changes for indicators, particularly in groups assigned to the treatment protocol. The MF group exhibited the most changes in dynamic testing to assess the entire foot in the support phase, whereas the MFE group showed significant changes in selected subphases [15][16] .…”

The effect of rehabilitation exercises according to the bio-kinematic analysis of the subtalar joint after recovery from fibrosis resulting from a non-healing fracture in monofin swimming.

“…A therapeutic program has been implemented to strengthen the muscles of the legs, the aim of which is to get rid of the pain that accompanies performance and to develop swimming kinematics. The recovery procedures include five phases, as follows : -Myofascial release, in which six sessions were performed, aimed at eliminating cramps in the feet and returning the foot to its normal state (Bac et al, 2022;Brandl et al, 2021) -Stretching Where the flexibility of the lower extremity, especially the feet, is one of the important and influencing factors in the performance of the swimmer, and the flexibility of the feet is very effective, especially in the strikes of the legs under water . (Shen et al, 2022;Shimojo et al, 2019a) -Shockwave Studies indicate (Hayano et al, 2021;Tognolo et al, 2022;van Doormaal et al, 2020) To the importance of shockwave in improving performance of swimmers, as studies have confirmed that shockwave works to get rid of the pain of the two legs and return the foot to normal after injury or excessive stress.…”