earticle

영어

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) at different application sites on pain, foot function, and range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis. Twenty-four participants with plantar fasciitis were randomized into three groups: Intervention group I (IG I) received treatment for both the plantar fascia and calf, intervention group II (IG II) received treatment for the plantar fascia only, and the control group (CG) received sham treatment. IG I and II participants received 3,000 ESWT pulses (0.10 mJ/mm2, 6 Hz, 3 cm) three times a week for 2 weeks. Pain was assessed using both a visual analog scale (VAS) and a pressure pain threshold (PPT) test with a digital algometer. Foot function was assessed using the foot and ankle ability measure scale. Range of motion (ROM) was measured using a goniometer for dorsi flexion and plantar flexion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group differences, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test for between-group differences. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. IG I showed significant improvements in VAS, maximum pain, PPT, and dorsi flexion ROM (p<.05). Compared to the CG, IG I demonstrated significantly greater changes in VAS, maximum pain, and PPT (p<.05), as well as dorsi flexion ROM (p<.05). These results suggest that applying ESWT to both the plantar fascia and calf is more effective than plantar-only application or sham treatment in improving pain, pressure sensitivity, and ankle function. Clinically, targeting both regions may enhance outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are warranted.