• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of applying self-myofascial release (SMR) to the plantar fascia using a foam roller on hamstring and lumbar spine superficial back line (SBL). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-one healthy adults agreed to the method and purpose of the study. Selection and exclusion criteria were screened, and baseline measurements for the Toe Touch test and passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test were obtained. The participants were then randomly assigned to the SMR group or the sham group. After group assignment, the SMR group rolled the surface of the foot from the heel to the metatarsal head using a foam roller for 5 minutes. The sham group received passive mobilization of the ankle joint in the supine position. Afterwards, the Toe Touch test and the passive straight leg-raise test were re-assessed. Results: In the SMR group, the Toe Touch test results showed significant improvement (p<0.05). Left and right PSLR test results showed a significant increase (p<0.05). In the sham group, there was no significant difference between pre and post-test results. The SMR group showed a significant difference in the PSLR test and Toe Touch test compared to the sham group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that SMR on the plantar fascia was immediately effective for improving the flexibility of the SBL of the lumbar spine and hamstring.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2017

Objective: This study aimed to identify the area with greatest effect using self-myofascial release technique (self-MFR) in the hamstring, suboccipital, and plantar regions. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-two adult subjects were evaluated for flexibility and hamstring pain threshold after self-MFR. Based on the superficial back line, the self-MFR application areas were the suboccipital region, hamstring, and plantar regions. Self-MFR was applied to each area using a wooden pole for a total of 4 minutes. Self-MFR was applied for 3 days at the same time of day, which was randomly assigned for each subject. Treatment was applied to one area each day. The sit and reach test (SRT), active range of motion (AROM), and passive ROM (PROM) were used to determine changes in flexibility, and an algometer was used to determine pain threshold. Pre/post-self-MFR effectiveness was tested using a paired t-test. Repeated measurement was used to compare self-MFR effects in the suboccipital, hamstring, and plantar regions. Results: When the self-MFR technique was applied to the 3 areas, the SRT showed significant improvement over baseline (p<0.05). Bilateral AROM and PROM showed significant improvements (p<0.05). When the self-MFR technique was applied to the hamstring, the semimembranosus showed a significant change in pain threshold (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that indirect application based on the Anatomy Trains could be effective for those who need to improve muscle flexibility. Moreover, self-MFR easily alleviates myofascial pain while maintaining flexibility, and can be performed at any time and place.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.130-134
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of combined first metatarsal and calcaneal osteotomy for static cavovarus deformity of the foot. Materials and Methods: We performed a dorsal closing wedge $1^{st}$ metatarsal osteotomy and a lateral and upward displacement calcaneal osteotomy for 9 patients, 12 feet (6 male and 3 female). The mean age at the time of operation was 37 years and the mean followup period was 27 months. The causes of deformity were 2 poliomyelitis, 1 cerebral palsy, 1 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and 5 idiopathic type. Five lateral ligament reconstructions of the ankle and six percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthenings were added. The surgical results in terms of pain, function and alignment of the foot were evaluated by means of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and talo-$1^{st}$ metatarsal, calcaneus-$1^{st}$ metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles were checked with weight bearing radiographs in lateral projection. Results: Talo-$1^{st}$ metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles were reduced from the mean preoperative values of $21^{\circ}$ and $25^{\circ}$ to $12^{\circ}$ and $19^{\circ}$, respectively, at last followup. Also, calcaneus-$1^{st}$ metatarsal angle was increased from the mean $114^{\circ}$ to $114^{\circ}$. The mean AOFAS score was improved from 44.5 points preoperatively to 89.2 points at followup. There were 1 metatarso-cueiform joint nonunion, 1 sural nerve injury and 3 remaining symptomatic claw toes. Conclusion: Combined first metatarsal and calcaneal osteotomy appears to be an effective procedure for the treatment of adult static cavovarus foot.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.62-67
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• 2014

Purpose: Reconstructive surgeries for equinocavovarus foot deformities are quite variable, including hind-midfoot osteotomy or arthrodesis, soft tissue procedure, tendon transfers, etc. Comprehensive evaluation of the deformity and its etiology is mandatory for achievement of successful deformity correction. Few studies in this field have been reported. We report on the clinical and radiographic outcome of reconstruction for cavovarus foot deformities. Materials and Methods: The study is based on 16 feet with cavovarus foot deformities that underwent bony and soft tissue reconstructive surgery from 2004 to 2008. We evaluated the etiologies, varieties of surgical procedures performed, pain score, functional scores, and patient satisfaction and measured the radiographic parameters. Results: The average age at the time of surgery was 39.4 years old, with a male/female ratio of 9/4 and an average follow-up period of 23.9 months (range, 12~49 months). The etiologies of the cavovarus deformity were idiopathic 7 feet, residual poliomyelitis 5 feet, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2 feet, and Guillain-Barre syndrome and hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular accident sequela 1 foot each. Lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomies were performed in 12 feet (75%), followed by Achilles tendon lengthening and plantar fascia release in 11 feet (69%), and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy/arthrodesis and tendon transfer in 10 feet (63%). Visual analogue scale pain score showed improvement, from an average of 4.2 to 0.5 points. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score showed significant improvement, from 47.8 to 90.0 points (p<0.05). All patients were satisfied. Ankle range of motion improved from $27.5^{\circ}$ to $46.7^{\circ}$. In radiographic measurements, calcaneal pitch angle improved from $19.1^{\circ}$ to $15.8^{\circ}$, Meary angle from $13.0^{\circ}$ to $9.3^{\circ}$, Hibb's angle from $44.3^{\circ}$ to $37.0^{\circ}$, and tibio-calcaneal axis angle from varus $17.5^{\circ}$ to varus $1.5^{\circ}$ Conclusion: We achieved successful correction of cavovarus foot deformities by performing appropriate comprehensive reconstructive procedures with improved functional, radiographic measures and high patient satisfaction.