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The Effect of Graston Technique on Ankle Mobility, Sit-Reach Test and Y-Balance Test

Assessment of Ankle Mobility, Flexibility, and Y-Balance Test Before and After Plantar Fascia Stretching and Plantar Fascia Stretching Combined With Graston Technique in Recreationally Active Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06915571
Enrollment
40
Registered
2025-04-08
Start date
2025-06-01
Completion date
2026-02-01
Last updated
2026-02-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Plantar Fascia, Flexibility, Y-balance Performance, Recreational Activities, Exercise

Keywords

plantar fascia, flexibility, y-balance performance, recreactional activities, exercise

Brief summary

This study investigates the effects of plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application on ankle mobility, flexibility and Y-Balance test results in recreationally active young adults. By comparing the effects of the two treatment methods on ankle function, it aims to demonstrate the potential benefits of both treatments. It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.

Detailed description

The plantar fascia, also known as the plantar aponeurosis, is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to the proximal phalanges of the toes. It consists of three different segments: medial, central and lateral bands. The Graston technique (GT) is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique that reduces pain, improves overall function and increases range of motion. GT reduces the overall rehabilitation time, uses less pressure and energy, and increases the depth of tissue that can be treated. Furthermore, GT does not compress tissues; the superficial fascia layer is easily mobilized, allowing access to deeper restrictions. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a clinical measurement tool used to assess dynamic balance. Asymmetries between extremities in the anterior direction have been associated with a 2-fold increased risk of lower extremity injury. This study examines how ankle mobility, flexibility, and Y-Balance examination results are affected in young adults who engage in recreational activities by plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application. It seeks to illustrate the possible advantages of both therapies by contrasting how the two approaches affect ankle function. People between the ages of 18 and 35 who regularly exercise for leisure at least two to three times a week and who have signed a voluntary permission form committing to actively participate in all study phases will be included. If a participant has a history of lower limb, plantar fascia, or ankle injuries, has had a major injury, surgery, or trauma to the lower extremities in the previous six months, plays professional sports, or declines to participate or withdraws during the evaluations, they will be disqualified. The control group will receive plantar fascia stretching. In addition to stretching the plantar fascia, the experimental group will also receive graston method treatment. A goniometer will be used to objectively measure ankle mobility both before and after the treatment. The Sit and Reach Box (Lafayette Instrument Sit and Reach Box, Flexibility Tester) at the faculty will be used to measure the applicant's flexibility both before and after the application. The participants' balance will be evaluated using the Y Balance TestTM. There shouldn't be any risks or difficulties prior to, during, or following the tests and procedures. It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.

Interventions

OTHERPlantar Fascia Stretching.

It consists of participants who will undergo plantar fascia stretching.

It consists of participants who will underwent graston technique application.

Sponsors

Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Lead SponsorOTHER
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
CollaboratorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

One group will undergo plantar fascia stretching. In the other group, graston technique will be applied in addition to plantar fascia stretching. Participants in the study will be between the ages of 18-35.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* To be between the ages of 18-35 * Doing regular physical activity at least 2-3 times a week (Individuals who do sports recreationally) * Individuals who signed the voluntary consent form before participating in the study and agreed to participate in all stages consciously

Exclusion criteria

* Having an ankle injury, plantar fascia or lower limb condition * Serious injury, surgery or trauma to the lower extremity within the last 6 months * Individuals practicing sports at a professional level * Not volunteering to participate in the study or wanting to leave the study during the assessments

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Ankle Mobilitybefore and after the intervention, within 1 hourAnkle mobility; dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion movements will be evaluated with a goniometer before and after the intervention.
Flexibility Assessmentbefore and after the intervention, within 1 hour.Flexibility Assessment, Sit and Reach Test will be measured before and after the intervention using the Flexibility Measurement Stand
Balancebefore and after the intervention, within 1 hour.Balance assessment will be measured before and after the intervention with the Y-Balance test.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 21, 2026