The Effect of Graston Technique on Ankle Mobility, Sit-Reach Test and Y-Balance Test

Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Y-balance Performance; Flexibility; Recreational Activities; Plantar Fascia; Exercise

Treatments: Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching.; Other: Graston Technique

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06915571

Academician (Other Identifier)

2024-576

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates the effects of plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application on ankle mobility, flexibility and Y-Balance test results in recreationally active young adults. By comparing the effects of the two treatment methods on ankle function, it aims to demonstrate the potential benefits of both treatments.

It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.

Full description

The plantar fascia, also known as the plantar aponeurosis, is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to the proximal phalanges of the toes. It consists of three different segments: medial, central and lateral bands.

The Graston technique (GT) is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique that reduces pain, improves overall function and increases range of motion. GT reduces the overall rehabilitation time, uses less pressure and energy, and increases the depth of tissue that can be treated. Furthermore, GT does not compress tissues; the superficial fascia layer is easily mobilized, allowing access to deeper restrictions.

The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a clinical measurement tool used to assess dynamic balance. Asymmetries between extremities in the anterior direction have been associated with a 2-fold increased risk of lower extremity injury. This study examines how ankle mobility, flexibility, and Y-Balance examination results are affected in young adults who engage in recreational activities by plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application. It seeks to illustrate the possible advantages of both therapies by contrasting how the two approaches affect ankle function. People between the ages of 18 and 35 who regularly exercise for leisure at least two to three times a week and who have signed a voluntary permission form committing to actively participate in all study phases will be included. If a participant has a history of lower limb, plantar fascia, or ankle injuries, has had a major injury, surgery, or trauma to the lower extremities in the previous six months, plays professional sports, or declines to participate or withdraws during the evaluations, they will be disqualified. The control group will receive plantar fascia stretching. In addition to stretching the plantar fascia, the experimental group will also receive graston method treatment. A goniometer will be used to objectively measure ankle mobility both before and after the treatment. The Sit and Reach Box (Lafayette Instrument Sit and Reach Box, Flexibility Tester) at the faculty will be used to measure the applicant's flexibility both before and after the application. The participants' balance will be evaluated using the Y Balance TestTM. There shouldn't be any risks or difficulties prior to, during, or following the tests and procedures. It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• To be between the ages of 18-35
• Doing regular physical activity at least 2-3 times a week (Individuals who do sports recreationally)
• Individuals who signed the voluntary consent form before participating in the study and agreed to participate in all stages consciously

Exclusion criteria

• Having an ankle injury, plantar fascia or lower limb condition
• Serious injury, surgery or trauma to the lower extremity within the last 6 months
• Individuals practicing sports at a professional level
• Not volunteering to participate in the study or wanting to leave the study during the assessments

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

60 participants in 2 patient groups

Plantar Fascia Stretching.

Experimental group

Description:

In the sitting and cross-legged position, the patient will be taught self-plantar fascia stretching. It will be done with 10 repetitions for each 2 extremities.

Treatment:

Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching.

Plantar Fascia Stretching and Graston Technique Application

Experimental group

Description:

The patient will be taught self-plantar fascia stretching in sitting and cross-legged position. It will be done with 10 repetitions for each 2 extremities. Then, in prone position, 5 minutes of Graston application will be performed on both plantar fascia.

Treatment:

Other: Graston Technique

Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching.