Plantar Heel Pain: Multisegmental Foot Motion and Muscle Function, FFI Translation, and Evaluation of Physical Therapy Treatments

Detailed Summary

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition of plantar heel pain (PHP) that leads to pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life, especially among active adults aged 25 to 65. Understanding the biomechanical alterations in foot motion among individuals with PF is essential to inform targeted treatment strategies and prevent symptom chronicity. However, research exploring detailed multi-segment foot motion changes in this population remains limited. Assessing foot function is a key component in understanding symptom development and treatment outcomes. The Foot Function Index (FFI) is an internationally recognized, reliable, and valid questionnaire used to measure foot pain and disability. To facilitate its use in Thai populations and enable cross-cultural comparisons, it is crucial to translate and validate the FFI into Thai. Although exercise interventions such as strengthening and stretching are widely used to manage PHP, evidence regarding their relative effectiveness on pain reduction and gait improvement is inconclusive. Rigorous evaluation of these programs is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for physical therapy in this population. Study 1: Comparative Study of Gait and Foot Segment Motion Between Individuals with Plantar Fasciitis and Healthy Controls This study aimed to compare multi-segment foot motion during walking between individuals with plantar fasciitis (PF) and healthy controls. A matched case-control design was used, with gait data collected via a 3D motion capture system and analyzed using the Oxford Foot Model. Study 2: Translation and Validation of the Thai Version of the Foot Function Index (FFI-Th) This study aimed to translate the Foot Function Index (FFI) into Thai (FFI-Th) and evaluate its psychometric properties individuals with plantar foot complaints. Study 3: Effects of Strengthening and Stretching Exercise Programs on Pain and Gait in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial This study aimed to investigate the effects of physical therapy interventions-specifically strengthening versus stretching exercise programs-on pain and temporospatial gait parameters in patients with PF.

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