COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH NINTENDO AND CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY ALONE IN PLANTAR FASCITIS - A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

One of the major complaints of foot is plantar fasciitis which is commonly seen in the age group between 40-60 years ,plantar fasciitis is a condition where there is thickening of plantar aponeurosis caused due to many factors such as obesity, flat foot, prolonged standing and tight tendo -achilles and hamstring group of muscles. The usual clinical presentation by patients is pain and morning stiffness while standing and walking. There has been approach of pharmacological interventions in the terms of steriod injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to surgical intervention where there is removal of fascia. On the other hand ,non-pharmacological intervention as conventional physical therapy which includes both manual therapy and electrotherapy, is proven to be effective.

In the current study prior to the treatment ankle range of motion is assessed through goniometer and ankle musculature strength assessed through jamar hand dynamometer and foot function index scale is used. In the control group conventional physical therapy such as stretching exercise  calf muscle stretching  and passive hamstring stretch is given along with  intrinsic foot strengthening and therapeutic ultrasound for pain relief.

In the experimental group Nintendo is used. The use of nintendo as a virtual reality has resulted in significant reduction of pain, targetting the attention of patient in the task, various distracting activities can be given involving different sensory systems that functions relatively independent. Hence engaging the patient in interactive video games and distracting them with the use of sensory systems can lead to effective management of pain. Virtual reality rehabilitation in the form of technology driven video games has shown improvement in increasing muscle strength, body balance and leg range of motion.The subjects stand on wii-board and interact with video based exergames which aims to weight bearing on affected foot.

As there are no studies done to find the effectiveness of virtual reality in the form of nintendo in plantar fasciitis ,so there is a need to assess the same.