Effect of a home-based stretching exercise on multi-segmental foot motion and clinical outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a home-based stretching exercise on multi-segmental foot motion and clinical outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). METHODS: A single group pre- and post-test design was conducted for this study in 20 patients with PF. They had the self home-based stretching program of calf muscle for 3 weeks. They were assessed for the multi-segmental foot motion (degree) and clinical outcomes which included the plantar fascia pain/disability scale (PFPS) (score), muscle length (degree) of gastrocnemius and soleus, and muscle strength (kg) of ankle dorsiflexors, plantarflexors, invertors, evertors, great toe flexors, and lesser toe flexors. RESULTS: There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in multi-segmental foot motion and muscle length after exercise. Significant improvements (p<0.05) were found in PFPS and muscle strength of ankle plantarflexors, invertors, evertors, great toe flexors, and lesser toe flexors after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: A home-based stretching exercise was an effective program for reducing pain, enhancing muscle strength for both extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles in patients with PF.