The Acute Effect of Isotonic Versus Isometric Exercise Versus Walking on Pain in Individuals With Plantar Fasciopathy

The isometric exercise is performed standing with the forefoot on a step. The participant is instructed to stand still with the ankle joint in neutral and hold this position. Supporting oneself for balance by placing the hands on a wall or a rail is allowed. The participant performs 5 sets of 45-second isometric holds. The load used is the heaviest possible load that the participant is able to withstand for 1 minute. As with the isotonic exercise, if the participant's body weight is inadequate the participant is fitted with a backpack with books and/or weights.

"The isotonic exercise is performed standing with the forefoot on a step. The toes are maximally dorsi-flexed by placing a towel underneath them. The participant is instructed to perform a heel-raise to a maximal plantar flexion in the ankle joint, and afterwards to lower the heel to maximal dorsi flexion. Supporting oneself for balance by placing the hands on a wall or a rail is allowed. The participant performs 4 sets of 8 repetitions with a load of 8RM. The contraction time is 3s concentric, 2s isometric and 3s eccentric and will be guided by a metronome.~If the participant's body weight is inadequate to reach sufficient loading during the exercises the participant is fitted with a backpack with books and/or weights."

The walking will be performed barefoot and the participant will be instructed in walking at a pace similar to the pace they would use when walking around in their home. The duration of the walking session will be four minutes to match the duration during the exercises.