Does isokinetic MET technique on the gastrocnemius muscle alter the function of the Windlass mechanism of the foot?
Item
- Title
- Does isokinetic MET technique on the gastrocnemius muscle alter the function of the Windlass mechanism of the foot?
- Author(s)
- Pezzillo, A
- Abstract
- Background: A high percentage of the adult population is subject to some forms of foot disorders at some point in their life. The windlass mechanism is a complex system of vital structures that provide stable support and propulsion when walking. Imbalances of this system or of any of its components can cause aggravation of strain factors over structures like the plantar fascia, resulting in common pathological conditions such as plantar fasciitis, hallux rigidus etc. Treatments observing the effects of soft tissue work, stretching and combination of various other forms of therapy have been vastly explored leaving a gap in the knowledge in the respect of techniques such as isokinetic MET.Objective: to observe any structural modifications at the MLA either in NW or TTS in order to address efficacy of the MET, and recognize this osteopathic technique as a valid treatment model for distressing factors of the windlass mechanism. Design: Randomized controlled experimental study using independent measures. Methods: The experiment participants sample included 40 healthy students from the European school of Osteopathy. Males and females with no history of pathology, surgery or major trauma to the lower extremities. Measurements of the MMTP angle and Mall - MTP distance were taken into NW and TTS position, prior and post intervention, and calculated through digitalization of the markers applied on the left foot. Data was analyzed using a combination of Analyse-it@ and Past. Datasets were tested for equality of variance with Levene's test and for normality of distribution with Shapiro-Wilks test. ANOVA was used to identify groups' differences and Tukey Kramer to determine where the differences presented. Results: For both, MMTP angles and Mall - MTP (p=O.226 NW and p=0.08381 TTS) distance ANOVA showed no significant differences when comparing the MET to the CTRL group. Discussion: Isokinetic MET in this study did not show any deformation of the MLA, in asymptomatic participants, suggesting that the complexity of the Windlass mechanism does not depend solely on muscular activation. MET is a relatively new frontier to manipulative treatment approach that has to be further explored with future research. Conclusion: Further research on implications of Isokinetic MET or different techniques on the windlass mechanism is suggested, Disturbance of the windlass mechanism represents clinically relevant complications such as plantar fasciitis.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2016
- Date Submitted
- 2.12.2016 17:29:04
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 15955
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Isokinetic MET, Foot ROM, Plantar fascia.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Pezzillo, A, “Does isokinetic MET technique on the gastrocnemius muscle alter the function of the Windlass mechanism of the foot?”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 23, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/526