Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of an intermittent plantar flexion static-stretching protocol on balance and plantar pressures.
Methods: The study included a sample size of 24 healthy participants (21 female and 3 male). Participants were 32.20 ± 8.08 years, 166.20 ± 8.43 cm, and 62.77 ± 9.52 kg. All participants performed an intermittent plantar flexion static-stretching protocol. Five sets (60 seconds intermittent stretch; 15 seconds for the rest time) of a passive plantar flexor stretching (70% to 90% of the point of discomfort) were performed. Static footprint analysis and a stabilometry analysis were performed before and after stretching. A P value < .05 with a CI of 95% was considered statistically significant for all tests.
Results: Intermittent ankle plantar static stretching resulted in a significantly greater forefoot surface contact area and lower rear foot medium and maximum plantar pressures. In addition, static stretching caused a lower displacement of the center of pressure for both eyes open and eyes closed conditions.
Conclusion: An intermittent plantar flexor static-stretching protocol improved balance and reduced rear foot plantar pressures (maximum and medium pressures).
Author keywords: Static Stretching; Postural Balance; Stabilometry; Platform
Author affiliations: EMMJ, RBdBV, CCL, DRS: School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; MELI: Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain; JIDV: Rehabilitación Premium Madrid, Madrid, Spain; DLL: Research, Health and Podiatry Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, Ferrol, Spain.
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