KINESIO TAPING AND EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY IN PLANTAR FASCIITIS: ACUTE EFFECTS ON PAIN, PLANTAR FASCIA FLEXIBILITY, AND LOWER EXTREMITY FUNCTION

Authors : Abdulkadir Dağbaşı, Hanife Doğan, Aynur Başaran

Pages : 209-223

Doi:10.70813/ssd.1631838

View : 158 | Download : 116

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: The placebo effect in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for plantar fasciitis remains unclear. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) combined with Kinesio Taping (KT), ESWT alone, and placebo ESWT in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methods: Ninety male patients aged 18–50 years with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to three groups: ESWT+KT (n=30), ESWT alone (n=30), and placebo ESWT (n=30). The ESWT+KT group received a single ESWT session followed by KT application, the ESWT group received only a single ESWT session, and the placebo group underwent simulated ESWT with no actual treatment. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), lower extremity functionality with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and plantar fascia flexibility with a tape measure. Results: Pain intensity (VAS) significantly decreased across all groups (p<0.05). The ESWT+KT group showed significant improvements in plantar fascia flexibility (p=0.05) and LEFS scores (p=0.012), while the ESWT group improved in LEFS scores (p=0.011). The placebo ESWT group experienced reduced pain scores (p=0.01) but showed no improvement in flexibility or functionality. Conclusion: Placebo ESWT reduced pain but did not affect other outcomes. Combining ESWT with KT appears to enhance plantar fascia flexibility and lower extremity functionality. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions.
Keywords : Plantar fasiit, Ekstrakorporeal şok dalgası tedavisi, Kinesio bantlama, Ağrı, Esneklik

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