The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on stroke patients with plantar fasciitis.
[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to analyze the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of stroke patients with plantar fasciitis. [Subjects and Methods] This study included 10 stroke patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis who were administered 3 sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy per week. After the last session, they performed stretching exercises for their Achilles tendon and plantar fascia for 30 min/day, 5 times a week for 6 months. The following parameters were measured and compared prior to therapy, 6 weeks after therapy, and 6 months after therapy: thickness of the plantar fascia, using an ultrasonic imaging system; degree of spasticity, using a muscle tension measuring instrument; degree of pain, using the visual analogue scale; and gait ability, using the Functional Gait Assessment. [Results] Decreased plantar fascia thickness, spasticity, and pain and increased gait ability were noted after therapy. These changes were significantly greater at 6 months after therapy than at 6 weeks after therapy. [Conclusion] These results indicated that extracorporeal shock wave therapy reduced tension in the plantar fascia, relieving pain and improving gait ability in stroke patients.
Department of Physical Therapy, Dongshin University, Republic of Korea.
Tae Gon
TG
Kim
Department of Physical Therapy, Cheongam College, Republic of Korea.
Sea Hyun
SH
Bae
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Dongshin University: 252 Daeho-dong, Naju-si, Chonnam 520-714, Republic of Korea.
Gye Yeop
GY
Kim
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Dongshin University: 252 Daeho-dong, Naju-si, Chonnam 520-714, Republic of Korea.
Kyung Yoon
KY
Kim
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Gait; Plantar fascia