Introduction: Physiotherapeutic stretching exercise (PSE) reduces stiffness and pain in soft tissue structures, which is why it is often used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). The literature review addresses open questions: on the most effective parameters of PSE; whether to stretch only the plantar fascia or also other anatomical structures related to the plantar fascia; the impact of PSE on pain intensity and function in individuals with PF. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to analyze the effects of PSE on pain and function in people with PF, based on a review of scientific literature. Methods: The literature search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect databases using selected keywords and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were freely available full-length articles in Slovene and English, references published after 2002, studies investigating the effect of PSE as a stand-alone therapeutic technique in patients with PF, studies scoring five or higher on the PEDro scale. Results: PSE was successful in reducing pain intensity (P<0.05) in acute PF when it lasted at least 7 days and when PSE involved at least the Achilles tendon in addition to the plantar fascia. The improvement in function in acute PF occurred when PSE lasted for at least 28 days (P<0.001). In contrast, in chronic PF, the effect of PSE on pain intensity and function was not statistically significant compared with surgery combined with PSE, which was more effective in decreasing pain intensity (P<0.001) while preserving the improved function of the individual even 6 years after the end of the intervention (P=0.013). Discussion and conclusion: PSE is an effective conservative treatment method exclusively in the acute phase of PF. The effect of PSE is greater when the duration is longer, and PSE involves at least the Achilles tendon in addition to the plantar fascia. Future research needs to accurately determine the chronicity of PF, the type of pain measured, type and number of anatomical structures involved in PSE and identify the measurement tool that best defines the function of people with PF.
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