Effect of Muscle Energy Technique versus Conventional Exercise on Pain and Functional Outcome in Subjects with Plantar Fasciitis: A Quasi-experimental Study

1. Undergraduate Student, Department of BPT, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 2. Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is a prevalent degenerative disorder of the plantar fas-cia, responsible for 11% to 15% of foot-related medical consultations and estimated to affect roughly 10% of the population particularly individuals aged 40-60 years. Frequently attributed to repetitive microtrauma and biomechanical overload, its high prevalence paired with substantial impacts on mobility and quality of life emphasise the need for deeper study into its pathogenesis and improved treatment approaches.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to find out the effect of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) versus conventional exercise on pain and functional outcome in subjects with PF.

Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from January 2023 to July 2023. A total of 60 subjects with PF fulfilling the selection criteria were includ-ed. The Plantar Fasciitis Pain/Disability Scale (PFPS) was used for pre and post-test assessment. Sub-jects were randomly allocated into two groups: the MET group (n=30), who received post-isometric relaxa-tion and Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) techniques; and the conventional exercise group (n=30), who received calf and plantar fascia stretching, intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, and both group received ultra-sound for 15 minutes. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 25.0 Within-group comparisons were performed using the paired t-test, while between-group comparisons were analysed using the independent t-test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statisti-cally significant. Results were presented as mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) and percentage distribution in tables and graphs.

Results: According to the statistical analysis, both groups had a statistically significant improvement between their pre and post values (p<0.0001). There was no statistically significant differ-ence between the two groups in post-exercise outcomes (p=0.3404), indicating that both interventions were similarly effective.

Conclusion: MET and conventional exercise both are effective at relieving pain and improving functional outcome. It can be incorporated as a routine physiotherapy intervention to enhance recovery and mobility.

Adult, Disability evaluation, Exercise therapy, Pain management, Physical therapy modality