Immediate effects of soft tissue mobilization and percussive massage on balance in young adults with pes planus: A single blind, randomized controlled pilot study

Background

Presence of pes planus is known to effect balance. In this study, it was aimed to examine the immediate effects of IASTM and PMT on static and dynamic balance in young adults with pes planus.

Method

The navicular drop test was used to diagnose pes planus. 51 individuals were included in the study and divided into three groups [IASTM (n:15), percussive massage (n:18) and control (n:18) groups] by simple randomization. Flamingo and Y Balance test was assessed before and immediately after intervention. Repeated Measures ANOVA test was used for the intergroup comparison, and the One-Way ANOVA test was used for the intragroup comparison, also post-hoc test with Tukey correction was performed.

Results

There was no significant difference in static balance between the three groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in dynamic balance between groups (p < 0.05). Only IASTM group had significant differences at before and after intervention of all directions except for posterolateral direction of Y Balance Test (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

IASTM applied to the plantar fascia of individuals with pes planus have immediate effects on dynamic balance when compared to no intervention and percussive massage even within a small sample size.