earticle

영어

This case study aimed to investigate the effects of plantar fascia stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, walking endurance, and fall efficacy in a patient with chronic stroke. A 61-year-old male patient diagnosed with chronic ischemic stroke participated in the study. The intervention consisted of plantar fascia stretching performed using a Fasciitis Fighter device for six weeks, five times per week, with 3 sets of 15 repetitions per session. Standard inpatient rehabilitation was concurrently provided. Outcome measures included ankle dorsiflexion ROM (using a digital inclinometer), dynamic balance (timed up and go test, TUG), walking endurance (6-minute walk test, 6MWT), and fall efficacy (falls efficacy scale-international, FES-I), assessed before and after the intervention. Post-intervention, ankle dorsiflexion ROM improved by 2.4°, TUG performance time decreased by 3.8 seconds, 6MWT distance increased by 34 meters, and FES-I score decreased by 6 points, indicating reduced fear of falling. Plantar fascia stretching demonstrated positive effects on ankle mobility, balance, walking endurance, and fall efficacy in a patient with chronic stroke. These findings suggest that plantar fascia stretching may serve as a beneficial component of rehabilitation programs for improving lower limb function and fall prevention in this population. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these results.