HALLUKS VALGUSU OLAN BİREYLERDE PLANTAR DUYU EĞİTİMİNİN AĞRI, AYAK POSTÜRÜ, FONKSİYONEL AKTİVİTELER, YÜRÜME VE DENGE PARAMETRELERİ ÜZERİNE ETKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Abstract

Kırdı, E. Investigation of the effect of plantar sensory training on pain, foot posture, functional activities, gait and balance parameters in individuals with hallux valgus, Hacettepe University Graduate School Health Sciences Programme of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Doctor of Philosophy Thesis, Ankara, 2022. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of plantar sensory training on hallux valgus angle, pain, foot posture, functional activities, gait and balance parameters in patients with hallux valgus (HV). Thirty women with mild to moderate HV who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as study and control groups. After recording the demographic information of the patients, the followings were evaluated: hallux valgus angle, with a universal goniometer; pain intensity with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); foot posture, with foot posture index; foot function, with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)-forefoot scale and Nil Multidimensional Hallux Valgus Scale; light touch sensation with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT); lower extremity functionality with lower extremity functionality scale; time-distance gait characteristics with the GAITRite® computerized walking path (CIR System INC. Clifton, NJ 07012), and postural sway and limits of stability assessments with the Bertec Balance Check Screener (Force plate AM, Bertec, Columbus, OH). While the control group was included in the standard treatment program, the study group received additional plantar sensory training. As a result of the six-week rehabilitation program, it was observed that the hallux valgus angle, pain intensity, foot posture, foot function, and lower extremity functionality improved in both groups (p<0.05). It was determined that the percentage of posterior stability limit, step length and swing phase increased, the percentage of stance phase decreased, and the sense of lateral midfoot and fifth toe developed in the study group (p<0.05). As a result, it was revealed that 6 weeks of conservative treatment reduced the symptoms in patients with mild and moderate HV, and additional plantar sensory training had an effect on light touch sense and gait and balance parameters. It was recommended to add plantar sensory training to the rehabilitation program of patients with HV.