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Impact of Manual Therapy on Plantar Pressures in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Single-Arm, Non-Randomized Pilot
Francisco J Falaguera-Vera1, Javier Torralba-Estellés2, Juan Vicente-Mampel1
1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine and Health Science, Catholic University of Valencia, Torrent, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
Background:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder causing widespread musculoskeletal pain, often leading to physical deconditioning that affects posture and gait. This study evaluates the effects of a manual therapy protocol targeting dorsal muscles in the lower back on plantar pressure modifications, considering body mass index (BMI) influence.
Methods:
A single-arm, non-randomized clinical trial included 24 women diagnosed with FM for at least three years. They underwent an eight-session manual therapy protocol over four weeks, applying moderate pressure to dorsal muscles in the lower back. Baropodometric analyses were conducted pre- and post-intervention under dynamic conditions. Statistical analyses used paired t-tests and effect size calculations to assess intervention effects and BMI impact.
Results:
Significant improvements in plantar pressure distribution were observed in both the left foot (p = 0.01, d = -0.54) and the right foot (p = 0.008, d = -0.59). However, strength and peak pressure metrics showed no significant changes. Patients with normal BMI exhibited greater improvements than those in the overweight category.
Conclusions:
Preliminary findings suggest that manual therapy positively influenced plantar pressure distribution in FM patients, particularly in those with normal BMI. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and broader clinical applications.
