Jomi John¹, Jince Augustine²

Author:

¹Jomi John, MPT Musculoskeletal and Sports-student, CPAS School of Medical Education, Gandhinagar, Kottayam, Kerala, India, Mail id: jomijohn333@gmail.com

Co Author:

²Associate Professor of Physiotherapy, CPAS School of Medical Education, Gandhinagar, Kottayam, Kerala, India

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Plantar fasciitis is a commonly confronted orthopedic problem due to inflammation of the plantar fascia and the perifascial structures. The literature attributes plantar fasciitis is due to pathologic biomechanics such as excessive pronation, high arched foot, windlass mechanism and low back disabilities. Current evidences suggest that faulty biomechanics that lead to plantar fasciitis may be started from gluteal muscles weakness. The purpose of the study is to find out the effectiveness of gluteal muscles strengthening exercises to reduce pain and improve lower limb function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Methods: 30 subjects those satisfying the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Subjects were then allocated to two groups- Group A (control group) and Group B (experimental group), 15 in each group. Subjects in group A received conventional treatment and subjects in group B received experimental treatment of gluteal muscle strengthening exercises with conventional stretching exercise. Pain was measured using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and lower limb functions was measured using Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).

Results: The post test score of SEBT and NPRS of control and experimental group were analysed using two sample t test and paired t test. The data analysis showed statistically significance difference in the post test scores of SEBT and NPRS of experimental group over control group at 5% level.

Conclusion: This study concluded that gluteal muscles strengthening exercises helps in improving lower limb function and reduction in pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, Gluteal muscles, Star Excursion Balance Test, Numeric Pain Rating Scale

DOI:10.36678/ijmaes.2020.v06i02.003