Effectiveness of Ankle Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques in Restoring the Biomechanical Integrity of the Ankle Following Plantar Fasciitis: An Experimental Study

TL;DR

This study shows that ankle PNF exercises help reduce pain and improve balance and muscle strength in people with plantar fasciitis.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of ankle PNF techniques in restoring ankle biomechanics after plantar fasciitis.

Findings

PNF exercises significantly reduced pain as measured by visual analogue scale scores.

Participants showed improved dynamic balance and ankle muscle strength after six weeks of treatment.

Weight-bearing lunge and functional reach test scores improved significantly post-treatment.

Abstract

Background

Recent studies have highlighted the role of the central nervous system in modulating pain perception and the movement patterns associated with plantar fasciitis. Neurological changes, such as altered sensorimotor control and cortical reorganization, may contribute to the persistence of symptoms and the recurrence of the condition. Integrating neurorehabilitation techniques may enhance outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence. Physiotherapy exercises such as ankle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, foot doming exercises, balance exercises, towel curl exercises, and stretching exercises were given to check the impact of physiotherapy interventions on ankle muscle instability and dynamic balance following plantar fasciitis.

Method

An experimental investigation was carried out at the outpatient department of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital. A total of 71 participants were assigned arbitrarily, employing a straightforward random sampling procedure. Each participant received treatment for six weeks, with five weekly sessions.

Result

The results demonstrated significant findings. The pre- and post-test score results are as follows: visual analogue scale scores (t=1.619, p=0.0001), weight-bearing lunge test scores (t=24.36, p=0.0001*), and functional reach test scores (t=24.36, p=0.0001).

Conclusion

We conclude that physiotherapy exercises such as ankle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), foot doming exercises, strengthening exercises, toe spreading exercises, towel curl exercises, and stretching exercises are effective in reducing pain and ascertaining dynamic balance in plantar fasciitis. The rehabilitation program significantly improved ankle biomechanical integrity and muscle strength, allowed functional recovery, and reduced pain. Future studies should focus on investigating the long-term effects of PNF therapies. For better patient outcomes, clinicians should consider incorporating ankle PNF exercises into their therapy regimens.

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