THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PES PLANUS, TRIGGER POINTS AND MUSCLE STRENGTH

Introduction: The objective was to compare the rate and localization of trigger points and muscle strength in patients with and without pes planus. Methods: A total of 88 female patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (with the mean age of 32.50 ± 7.95) (n=52) or absence of pes planus (with the mean age of 33.5 ± 7.80) (n=36). Muscle strength was evaluated with handgrip-strength, leg-back strength. The presence of trigger points (present/absent), the pain region of trigger points (masseter muscle, cervical/thoracic/lumber regions, upper/lower extremity) and the Visual Analog-Scale for pain severity were detected. Results: The rate of trigger points was significantly higher in the pes planus group in all regions: in the masseter muscle (p=0.042), upper extremities (p=0.006), cervicotorasic region (p=0.020), lumbar region (p=0.014), and lower extremities (p=0.020). 98.1% of the patients with pes planus were found to have at least one trigger point. The pain severity of trigger points was significantly higher in pes planus group (p=0.037). However muscle strength were found to be significantly similar between the groups. Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between pes planus and the rate of having trigger points not only in lower extremities and lumbar region, but also in masseter, upper extremities and the servicotorasic region in females. However, any relationship were not found between pes planus and muscle strength.