The influence of athletic activity on the plantar fascia in healthy young adults.
OBJECTIVE
Complaints deriving from the plantar fascia are relatively common in athletes. This study aimed to investigate the changes of thickness of plantar fascia via sonography in healthy young adults with different levels of activity.


METHODS
One hundred ten adults with normal body mass index were separated into three groups according to activity level: sedentary (group 1, n = 50), athletic activity less than 7 hours per week (group 2, n = 30), and athletic activity 7 or more hours per week (group 3, n = 30). The thicknesses of the plantar fascia at origin and at a point 5 mm distal to origin were measured via sonography.


RESULTS
The mean values of the thickness of the proximal plantar fascia (PFp) and the distal plantar fascia (PFd) in group 1 were similar to those of groups 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). The mean values of PFp and PFd were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.05). The mean values of PFp and PFd were similar in left and right feet (p > 0.05). There were moderate positive correlations between PFp and weight, height, and body mass index but no correlation between PFp and amount of athletic activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The thickness of the plantar fascia at origin did not change with athletic activity at the amateur level.
Uzel
Murat
M
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical School of University of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam, Yorukselim mh. Hastane Caddesi No:32, 46050 Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
Cetinus
Ercan
E
Ekerbicer
H Cetin
HC
Karaoguz
Ahmet
A
D000328:Adult; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D015444:Exercise; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006365:Heel / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography