Effects of Plantar Fascia Dynamic Stretching on Balance and Gait in Chronic Stroke Patients

This study aimed to investigate the effects of plantar fascia dynamic stretching on static and dynamic balance, and gait ability. Thirty chronic stroke patients (n=30) were selected and interventions were 3 rounds of plantar fascia dynamic stretching per day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Each set comprised 10 repetitions. Open and closed eyes static balance ability, functional reach test (FRT), and 10 meter walking test (10WMT) were measured after 6 weeks of training. After 6 weeks of training, the plantar fascia stretching group showed significant improvements in all outcome measures compared with baseline (p<.05). Furthermore, closed eyes static balance ability, and dynamic balance ability, and gait ability showed greater improvement in the plantar fascia stretching group compared to the calf stretching group (p<.05). These results suggest that plantar fascia dynamic stretching reduces and improves static and dynamic balance, and gait disorders in patients with chronic stroke.