Static, dynamic balance and functional performance in subjects with and without plantar fasciitis

Geiseane Aguiar Gonçalves,Bruna Reclusa Martinez,Danilo Harudy Kamonseki,Império Lombardi Junior,Liu Chiao Yi,Maythe Amaral Nascimento

doi:10.1590/1980-5918.030.001.ao02

Geiseane Aguiar Gonçalves, Bruna Reclusa Martinez + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5918.030.001.ao02

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Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is characterized by non-inflammatory degeneration and pain under the heel, and is one of the most common foot complaints. The compensations and adjustments made to decrease the discomfort caused by the disease are clinical findings and can be a factor that contributes to impaired balance and decreased functional performance. Objective: To compare functional performance as well as static and dynamic balance among subjects with and without PF. Methods: The sample consisted of 124 subjects of both sexes aged 20-60 years. Participants were divided into two groups: a bilateral PF group (PFG; n = 62) and a control group (CG, n = 62). The following outcomes were analyzed: static and dynamic balance (using functional tests) and functional performance (using a questionnaire). We used Student’s t test for independent samples to compare variables between the groups. The alpha error was set at 0.05. Results: Subjects with PF showed greater impairment in their overall dynamic balance performance (p < 0.001) than the control group, except for left posteromedial movement (p = 0.19). The CG showed showed better functional performance (p < 0.001) than the PF group. There was no difference between groups for the variable static balance on stable (p = 0.160) and unstable surfaces (p = 0.085). Conclusion: Subjects with PF displayed smaller reach distances in the overall Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), demonstrating a deficit in dynamic balance and functional performance when compared with healthy subjects.

Highlights

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is characterized by non-in lammatory degeneration and pain under the heel, and is one of the most common foot complaints
Despite the evidence that musculoskeletal and sensory problems in the foot adversely affect the tissues around the injury and become an ascending change that impairs postural stability and the performance of daily activities (19), we found no studies assessing static and dynamic balance in individuals with problems arising from PF
The center of gravity (CG) had greater reach distances in the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) than the PF group (PFG), possibly as a result of the increased tension in the plantar fascia, which can usually be associated with a limitation of range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint (20)

Summary

Introduction

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is characterized by non-in lammatory degeneration and pain under the heel, and is one of the most common foot complaints. Objective: To compare functional performance as well as static and dynamic balance among subjects with and without PF. Results: Subjects with PF showed greater impairment in their overall dynamic balance performance (p < 0.001) than the control group, except for left posteromedial movement (p = 0.19). It is a major orthopedic injury that affects about 10% of the world's population at least once in life (2, 3).PF is characterized by a non-in lammatory degeneration and pain under the heel and along the medial side of the plantar fascia (3, 4) It occurs as a result of repetitive microtrauma at the origin of the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus (5, 6). Because PF is a disease that affects the feet, it can impair balance due to the discomfort felt in the plantar fascia (8, 9)

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