Immediate Effects of Calf and Plantar Fascia Manual Therapy

Immediate Remote Effects of Myofascial Release Versus the Fascial Distortion Model on Flexibility and Postural Control Via the Superficial Back Line: A Randomized Pilot Study

This study investigated the immediate effects of two manual therapy approaches, myofascial release and the fascial distortion model, applied to the calf and plantar fascia in healthy adults. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Flexibility, balance, and postural control were assessed before and after the intervention to examine potential remote effects along the superficial back line. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term functional effects of these two manual therapy techniques.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Musculoskeletal Function
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Myofascial Release; Other: Fascial Distortion Model

Detailed Description

This randomized pilot study included healthy adult participants who were assigned to either a myofascial release group or a fascial distortion model group. Manual therapy was applied to the calf muscles and plantar fascia of the dominant lower extremity. Outcome measures related to flexibility, balance, and postural control were assessed immediately before and after the intervention. The study was designed to explore short-term functional changes and to compare the effects of two different manual therapy techniques.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 20
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• South Korea
  • Gyeongsangnam-do
    • Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
      • Gyeongsangnam-do

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults in their 20s (aged 20-29 years).
• Individuals without current musculoskeletal pain or functional limitations.
• Individuals able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of lower extremity injury within the past 6 months.
• Previous experience with plantar fascia manual therapy.
• Presence of balance disorders or neurological impairments.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Non-Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Myofascial Release; Participants receive myofascial release to the calf muscles and plantar fascia.	Other: Myofascial Release; Myofascial release applied to the calf muscles and plantar fascia using gentle, sustained manual pressure.
Experimental: Fascial Distortion Model; Participants receive Fascial Distortion Model treatment to the calf muscles and plantar fascia.	Other: Fascial Distortion Model; Fascial Distortion Model techniques applied to the calf muscles and plantar fascia using targeted manual pressure.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT)	The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test was used to assess ankle dorsiflexion range of motion by measuring the maximum distance (cm) from the great toe to the wall while maintaining heel contact.	Immediately before and immediately after the intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR)	The Straight Leg Raise test was used to assess hamstring flexibility. With the participant in a supine position, the hip was passively flexed with the knee fully extended, and the maximum hip flexion angle (degrees) was measured using a goniometer.	Immediately before and immediately after the intervention
Functional Reach Test (FRT)	The Functional Reach Test was used to assess dynamic balance. Participants stood upright and reached forward as far as possible without stepping or losing balance. The distance (cm) between the starting position and the maximal forward reach was recorded.	Immediately before and immediately after the intervention
Single-Leg Hop for Distance Test (SLHD)	Single-Leg Hop for Distance Test (SLHD)	Immediately before and immediately after the intervention
Bunkie Test (BT)	The Bunkie Test was used to assess lower-extremity and trunk muscular endurance related to the Superficial Back Line. Participants maintained the test position as long as possible, and the holding time (seconds) was recorded.	Immediately before and immediately after the intervention
Finger-to-Floor Distance Test (FFD)	The Finger-to-Floor Distance test was used to evaluate trunk and posterior chain flexibility. Participants bent forward from a standing position with knees extended, and the vertical distance (cm) between the fingertips and the floor was measured.	Immediately before and immediately after the intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: JiYoung Kim

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 31, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): May 31, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 21, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 21, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): January 6, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 6, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 21, 2025
• Last Verified: December 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Myofascial release; Manual therapy; Postural control; Flexibility; Fascial distortion model; Calf muscle and plantar fascia
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Therapeutics; Complementary Therapies; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Massage; Myofascial Release Therapy
• Other Study ID Numbers: JYK-2025-01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No