Immediate Effects of Intermittent Bilateral Ankle Plantar Flexors Static Stretching on Balance and Plantar Pressures

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of an intermittent plantar flexion static-stretching protocol on balance and plantar pressures. Methods: The study included a sample size of 24 healthy participants (21 female and 3 male). Participants were 32.20 +/- 8.08 years, 166.20 +/- 8.43 cm, and 62.77 +/- 9.52 kg. All participants performed an intermittent plantar flexion static-stretching protocol. Five sets (60 seconds intermittent stretch; 15 seconds for the rest time) of a passive plantar flexor stretching (70% to 90% of the point of discomfort) were performed. Static footprint analysis and a stabilometry analysis were performed before and after stretching. A P value < .05 with a CI of 95% was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results: Intermittent ankle plantar static stretching resulted in a significantly greater forefoot surface contact area and lower rear foot medium and maximum plantar pressures. In addition, static stretching caused a lower displacement of the center of pressure for both eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Conclusion: An intermittent plantar flexor static-stretching protocol improved balance and reduced rear foot plantar pressures (maximum and medium pressures).