The effects of self-fascial release technique on foot sole pressure and functional performance in individuals with LOW medial longitudinal ARCH

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of self-plantar fascia release with foam roller on foot medial longitudinal arch height difference, plantar touch sense, foot functional performance, foot sole pressure distribution and balance in individuals with low medial longitudinal arch. The study, which was an observational, single-blind, prospective and randomized crossover design, included 25 students studying at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Health Sciences volunteer and meeting the inclusion criteria. Participants applied self-plantar fascia release at two consecutive different pressures (25% and 50% of the 1 maximum pressure they applied to the foam roller), the order of which was determined randomly. Medial longitudinal arch depression, foot plantar sensation, foot performance, foot sole pressure distribution and balance were evaluated by a blinded investigator before and after each pressure application (with 1 hour of rest in between). To evaluate the time dependent changes of the release massage effect, the measurements made before, immediately and 1 hour after the release massage were compared. After release massage with %25 pressure, in the amount of low medial longitudinal arch decreased; plantar sense, vertical jump height, horizontal jump distance increased; after fascia release massage with %50 pressure plantar sense, vertical jump height, vertical flight time, vertical jump speed and horizontal jump distance increased. When 25% and 50% release massage pressure were compared in terms of effectiveness, no significant superiority was found. When the time-dependent changes of release massage were examined, regardless of the applied pressure, all parameters except the horizontal jump distance changed immediately after the plantar fascia release massage compared to the values before the release massage, this change was maintained 1 hour after the release massage. It was observed that self-plantar fascia release with foam roller increased the foot sole pressure and functional performance in individuals with low medial longitudinal arch, and this effect continued for a short time after the plantar fascia release massage.