A 120-second stretch improves postural control and plantar pressure: quasi-experimental study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Physiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Limited research exists on the long-term effects of bilateral calf stretching on balance and plantar pressure.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing physical performance and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of continuous passive stretching of the posterior calf muscles on postural control and plantar pressure distribution.
• To determine if stretching enhances balance and alters pressure mapping in healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• A pre- and post-intervention study design was employed in a private clinical setting.
• Twenty-four healthy subjects underwent 120-second continuous passive plantar flexor stretching.
• Static footprints and stabilometry were measured before and after the stretching intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in Y-axis displacement with eyes closed (P=0.010) were observed, indicating better postural control.
• Plantar pressures were reduced in the heel (max P=0.048, mean P=0.001) and midfoot (max P=0.004, mean P=0.004).
• Plantar surface area increased in the forefoot (P=0.000) and midfoot (P=0.021).

Conclusions:

• Continuous static stretching of the plantar flexors for 120 seconds positively impacts stance balance.
• The intervention effectively reduces plantar pressures in the rearfoot and midfoot regions.
• Stretching also leads to an increased plantar surface area in the midfoot and forefoot, suggesting adaptive changes in foot posture.