Year: 2026 | Month: October-December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 1-14
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260401
Investigating the Effects of Isolated Plantar Fascia Release Versus Lumbar Flexibility Exercises on Lumbar Spine Mobility in Young Adults – A Comparative Study
Viswanadhuni. Uma Naga Devi1, Praniti2, Rajesh Brundavanam3
1BPT Final Year Student at NRI College of Physiotherapy,
NRI Academy of Medical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
2MPT (Rehabilitation), Assistant Professor at NRI College of Physiotherapy, NRI Academy of Medical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
3PhD, MPT (Sports), Chief Physiotherapist, Principal at NRI Academy of Medical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Corresponding Author: Viswanadhuni. Uma Naga Devi
ABSTRACT
Background: Lumbar mobility is essential for daily functional activities. Reduced lumbar mobility is commonly observed in young adults due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and reduced physical activity. The human body functions as an integrated unit because of the anatomical and functional continuity of myofascial chains. Restrictions in lumbar movement may arise due to tightness in the posterior myofascial chain. Recent studies suggest that plantar fascia release may influence proximal structures through myofascial continuity. Traditional physiotherapy interventions mainly focus on lumbar flexibility exercises to improve spinal mobility. Both interventions were used to improve lumbar mobility, but comparative evidence is limited.
Objective: The study aims to compare the effects of isolated plantar fascia release and lumbar flexibility exercises on mobility of the lumbar spine in young adults.
Methodology: A total of 30 young adults aged 18-25 years were included in this study. They were assigned to two groups: Group A received isolated plantar fascia release (PFR), whereas Group B received lumbar flexibility exercises over 5 weeks, 3 times a week. Lumbar mobility was assessed by using Modified Schober’s Test (MST) and Fingertip-to-Floor Distance Test (FTFD) before and after the intervention period. Statistical analysis was performed using a T-test for within-group analysis and an independent T-test for between-group analysis. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS software.
Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in MST and FTFD values (p<0.05) following the intervention. However, Group B demonstrated significantly greater improvement in lumbar mobility compared to Group A.
Conclusion: Both interventions were effective in improving lumbar mobility; however, lumbar flexibility exercises were more effective than isolated plantar fascia release in young adults. These findings suggest that combining both interventions may be explored in future studies to achieve enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Keywords: Lumbar mobility, Plantar fascia release, lumbar flexibility exercises, Modified Schober’s Test, Fingertip-to-Floor-Distance, Myofascial chain.