earticle

영어

Purpose: In this study, we investigated the effects of lower extremity muscle strengthening using kinesio taping on pain, plantar pressure, and the foot function index (FFI) in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methods: The study included 30 patients who were randomly categorized into the lower extremity muscle strengthening with kinesio taping (experimental group, n=15) and the lower extremity muscle strengthening with sham kinesio taping (control group, n=15). Both groups underwent the intervention for 30 min, 5 days/week, over 4 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was measured based on pain levels in patients with plantar fasciitis. Plantar pressure was measured using the Gaitview AFA-50 system. The FFI was measured based on the functional performance of the foot. The VAS score, plantar pressure, and FFI were recorded pre- and 4 weeks post intervention. Results: We observed significant intragroup differences. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in the VAS score, plantar pressure, and FFI, 4 weeks post intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: We observed definitive effects of lower extremity muscle strengthening using kinesio taping on pain, plantar pressure, and FFI in patients with plantar fasciitis.