31, August 2026

Comparative Efficacy of Integrated Foam Rolling and Self-Stretching and strengthening on calf muscle versus plantar fascia on pain and Ankle Range of motion in Occupational Drivers with plantar fasciitis.

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-8; AUG-2026

Author(s): Dr.Prachi Yogesh Pundkar, Dr.Ruchi Chamale,  Dr.Anisha Johar

Authors Affiliations:

1 Student, Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

2Professor, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

3Professor,  Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202608008     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202608008


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Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain among both athletes and non-athletes, and professional drivers are particularly vulnerable due to repetitive ankle dorsiflexion–plantarflexion during pedal control. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion, tight calf musculature, and increased strain on the plantar fascia are major biomechanical contributors. Although foam rolling, stretching, and strengthening exercises have shown benefits individually, limited evidence exists comparing their effects on the calf versus plantar fascia specifically in drivers.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of foam rolling combined with self-stretching and strengthening of the calf muscle versus the plantar fascia on pain and ankle range of motion (ROM) among professional drivers with plantar fasciitis.

Methodology: A comparative study was conducted on 34 male professional drivers aged 24–60 years, randomly divided into two groups (n=17 each).

Group A: Foam rolling + self-stretching + strengthening of the calf muscles

Group B: Foam rolling + self-stretching + strengthening of the plantar fascia

Interventions were administered for 3 weeks. Outcome measures included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Knee-to-Wall Test (KFT), and Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM. Pre- and post-intervention values were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain and function post-treatment. However, Group A demonstrated superior improvements across most parameters.Pain reduction (NPRS): Group A > Group B Functional ability (FAAM): Greater improvement in Group A Ankle dorsiflexion ROM: Group A ,KFT showed significant change only in Group A.

 

 Key words : NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale),ROM (Range of motion ), SMFR(self-myofascial release) MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders)

Dr.Prachi Yogesh Pundkar, Dr. Ruchi Chamale,  Dr.Anisha Johar (2026);  Comparative Efficacy of Integrated Foam Rolling and Self-Stretching and strengthening on calf muscle versus plantar fascia on pain and Ankle Range of motion in Occupational Drivers with plantar fasciitis., International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  8,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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