Use of high-resolution ultrasound to measure changes in plantar fascia thickness resulting from tissue creep in runners and walkers

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2015 Jan;38(1):81-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.10.008. Epub 2014 Nov 11.

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to use high-resolution ultrasound to measure changes in plantar fascia thickness as a result of tissue creep generated by walking and running.

Methods: Independent samples of participants were obtained. Thirty-six walkers and 25 runners walked on a treadmill for 10 minutes or ran for 30 minutes, respectively. Standardized measures of the thickness of the plantar fascia were obtained in both groups using high-resolution ultrasound.

Results: The mean thickness of the plantar fascia was measured immediately before and after participation. The mean plantar fascia thickness was decreased by 0.06 ± 0.33 mm SD after running and 0.03 ± 0.22 mm SD after walking. The difference between groups was not significant.

Conclusion: Although the parameters of this study did not produce significant changes in the plantar fascia thickness, a slightly higher change in the mean thickness of the plantar fascia in the running group deserves further investigation.

Keywords: Fascia; Running; Ultrasonography; Walking.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fascia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Foot / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Running / physiology*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Walking / physiology*
  • Young Adult