The aim of this study is to investigate the instantaneous effects of self-stretching, plantar self-massage and manual stimulation on balance and reaction time in healthy individuals. 102 individuals meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. Individuals will be randomly divided into 3 groups: static stretching group (n=34), self-massage group (n=34) and manual stimulation group (n=34). Static stretching will be applied to all individuals (n=102). In addition to static stretching, self-massage will be applied to individuals in the self-massage group (n=34). Individuals in the manual stimulation group (n=34) will receive manual stimulation in addition to static stretching. Individuals will be evaluated in terms of static balance, dynamic balance, reaction time and foot functionality before and immediately after the applications.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
102
The stretch will be done by placing both feet on a raised platform, lowering the heel off the platform without touching the ground, and held in this position to perform a static stretch. They will perform 5 repetitions, 15 seconds of rest and 1 minute of stretching.
In addition to the self-stretching application, plantar self-massage will be applied. Plantar self massage will be shown to the participants by the physiotherapist with a 7 cm spiky massage ball. Then, participants will be asked to self-massage the plantar sole of the foot for 5 minutes with a 7 cm spiky massage ball.
In addition to the self-stretching application, manual stimulation will be applied. Manual protocol: A) Pressure will be applied in each interdigital space and on the longitudinal arch with shear in the longitudinal direction (5 repetitions of 10 seconds each). B) Pressure with transverse shear on the metatarsal heads (5 repetitions of 5 seconds each) C) Static pressure will be applied to the first and fifth metatarsal head, center of the midfoot, and heel (5 repetitions per 10-second period each).
Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Beykoz, Turkey (Türkiye)
One Leg Standing Test
It will be used to evaluate static balance. If the cut-off value is \<10 seconds, there is a balance disorder, if it is \<5 seconds, there is a risk of falling.
Time frame: change in static balance immediately after application
Functional Reach Test
It will be used to evaluate dynamic balance. The distance that the person can reach is measured. Higher scores mean better performance.
Time frame: change in dynamic balance immediately after application
Y Balance Test
It will be used to evaluate dynamic balance. The distance that the person can reach is measured. Higher scores mean better performance.
Time frame: change in dynamic balance immediately after application
Nelson's Foot Reaction Time Test
It will be used to evaluate reaction time. The time that the person can react is measured. Higher scores mean worse performance.
Time frame: change in reaction time immediately after application
Active-passive Limb Matching Test
It will be used to evaluate proprioception. Same position mean better performance.
Time frame: change in proprioception immediately after application
Goniometer
It will be used to evaluate range of motion of ankle. Dorsiflexion range of motion is 20 degree. Plantar flexion range of motion is 50 degree. Eversion range of motion is 15 degree. Inversion range of motion is 35 degree. Higher score means better performance.
Time frame: change in range of motion immediately after application
Foot Posture Index
It will be used to evaluate foot posture. Palpation of the talus head in the hindfoot, inclination under and over the lateral malleolus, pronation/supination of the calcaneus, ballooning in the talonavicular joint region in the forefoot, medial longitudinal arch structure, and abduction/adduction of the forefoot relative to the hindfoot are evaluated. Each of these criteria takes values between -2 and +2. 0 means the foot is in neutral position, positive values are interpreted as pronation, and negative values are interpreted as supination.
Time frame: change in foot posture immediately after application
Thomas test
It will be used to evaluate hip flexor shortness. If the other leg raise, it is positive.
Time frame: change in hip flexor shortness immediately after application
Pointed-blunt Test
It will be used to evaluate presence of sensory problems. Higher scores mean worse performance. Scoring: Normal \<6mm Fair 6-10mm Poor 11-15mm
Time frame: change in sensory immediately after application
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