Effectiveness of Active Release Technique Versus Myofacial Release Technique on Patients with Plantar Faciitis: A Comparitive Study

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The pain and discomfort associated with this disorder affect physical mobility and function dramatically. There are various conservative treatment strategies known to enhance symptoms of the condition including ice, heat, taping, electrical modalities, night splints, orthotics, stretching and strengthening. In addition, there are a number of soft tissue techniques such as Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) and Active Release Technique (ART) that may be effective in Plantar Fasciitis. Objective: To find out and compare the effectiveness of Active Release Technique versus Myofascial Release Technique on pain and functional performance in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methodology: Thirty patients who met the selection criteria were chosen for the study after receiving their informed consent. Participants were assigned randomly into two groups (Group A and Group B). Group A received the ART, whereas Group B received the MFR technique. Both groups jointly received ultrasound therapy and plantar fascia stretching exercise. The assessment of Numerical Pain Ratting Scale (NPRS) and Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) is made before and after the six day treatment schedule. Result: Statistically significant improvements in NPRS (Z=3.44, P=0.001) and PSFS (t=10.2, P=0.001) were observed in group A patients. Statistically significant improvements in NPRS (Z=3.44, P=0.001) and PSFS (t=9.4, P=0.001) were noted in group B patients. When comparing group A and group B, NPRS (Z=2.59, P=0.009) showed significant differences between two groups and PSFS (t=1.92, P=0.06) was insignificant. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the Active release technique and the Myofascial release technique are effective in reducing pain and improving functional performance in patients with plantar fasciitis. However, the pain reduction in the Active release technique group is significantly higher than in the Myofacial release technique group, but the functional performance shows similar effects in both groups