Effects of Plantar Sensory Training in Individuals With Hallux Valgus.

Investigation of the Effect of Plantar Sensory Training on Pain, Foot Posture, Functional Activities, Gait and Balance Parameters in Individuals With Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus is a forefoot deformity with a high prevalence, which can progress to lateral deviation of the big toe, medial deviation of the first metatarsal, and subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in the future. It has been reported in studies that changes in the load distribution of the foot in hallux valgus patients, hyperkeratosis, especially first-line pain, and sensory receptors on the sole of the foot may result in the effect of sensory receptors on the sole of the foot, and thus the balance may be negatively affected, poor postural stability and an increase in the risk of falling. It is thought that increased sensitivity to the senses coming from the feet with sensory training can improve the balance and reduce the risk of falling as a result of better perception of foot orientation and position.

Achieving balance depends on the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems working together and in interaction. One of the important components of the somatosensory system is the cutaneous receptors. Merkel discs, Paccini corpuscles, Meissner corpuscles and Ruffini endings are located on the plantar surface of the foot, which makes contact with the ground. Plantar cutaneous receptors are sensitive to pressure during ground contact and provide site-specific information for cortical mapping and may affect postural responses. It is recommended that sensory training of the sole of the foot, rough insoles and transcutaneous electrical stimulation applications should be added to rehabilitation in order to increase the afferent sensory feedback from the sole of the foot in patients with multiple sclerosis, starting from the early stages of the disease. It has been reported in studies that the sensory input of different foot regions has an important role in the transition and timing of the stance and swing phase in gait. It has been suggested that cutaneous reflexes in the foot can provide functional locomotion and modulation of lower extremity flexor and extensor muscle activity. It has been reported in studies that changes in the load distribution of the foot in hallux valgus patients, hyperkeratosis, especially first-line pain, and sensory receptors on the sole of the foot may result in the effect of sensory receptors on the sole of the foot, and thus the balance may be negatively affected, poor postural stability and an increase in the risk of falling. It is thought that increased sensitivity to the senses coming from the feet with sensory training can improve the balance and reduce the risk of falling as a result of better perception of foot orientation and position. Therefore, the aim of our study; It was determined as the examination of the effect of plantar sensory training on pain, foot posture, functional activities, gait and balance parameters in individuals with hallux valgus.

In addition to hallux valgus mobilization, active thumb abduction, strengthening of the muscles around the feet, hallux valgus taping and hallux valgus night splint, sensory training (using deep plantar massage, brushing, dipping techniques) will be performed.

Routine hallux valgus physiotherapy approaches such as: hallux valgus mobilization, active thumb abduction, strengthening of the muscles around the feet, hallux valgus taping and hallux valgus night splint.

Visual Analogue Scale will be used to evaluate the pain severity of individuals. Participants will be asked to mark their pain at rest and activity on a horizontal line of 100 millimeters, with 100 indicating maximum pain and 0 indicating no pain.

The light touch sense of the sole of the foot will be evaluated with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. This test is widely used to evaluate light touch and pressure sense. The response to touch is tested with monofilaments of varying thickness and diameter, and the value that the patient feels is recorded.

The AOFAS Hallux-Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale created by the American Foot and Ankle Foundation (AOFAS) will also be used to evaluate foot function. In this scale, which is a 100-point scoring system that evaluates pain, function, and alignment, 90-100 points are excellent, 75-89 points are good, 50-74 points are good, and less than 50 points indicate poor status.

The Lower Extremity Functionality Scale (LEFS), which is used in individuals with lower extremity problems, will be used to classify the functional status of individuals. AEFS is a 5-point Likert scale consisting of 20 questions. High scores in this scale, which has been adapted to Turkish and whose scoring ranges from 0 to 80, represent a better functional situation

Individuals' gait will be assessed using the GAITRite® computerized walking path (CIR System INC. Clifton, NJ 07012). Data from the system, which has 18,432 sensors, is obtained by pressure-activated sensors at a rate of 60-120 Hz. In order to eliminate the learning effect, the subjects will be asked to walk at the pace they choose after three attempts are made. Rest breaks will be given between assessments and the average of three repetitions of the walk will be recorded

Stability limits of individuals will be evaluated with Bertec Balance Check Trainer. Participants will be asked to lie on this device in the front, back, right and left directions as far as they can go without losing their balance and without lifting the soles of their feet off the platform, and the measurement results will be recorded by the system. Also, Postural sway of individuals will be evaluated and recorded with the Bertec Balance Check Trainer. It will be evaluated in four different conditions: flat ground with eyes open, flat ground with eyes closed, soft ground with eyes open and soft ground with eyes closed. Individuals will be asked to stand upright for 10 seconds for each situation, and the results will be recorded in centimeters by the system (Force plate AM, Bertec, Columbus, OH).

Inclusion Criteria: Being diagnosed with mild or moderate hallux valgus; Volunteer to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Having pathologies that may cause sensory problems such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, myelomeningocele, severe disc herniation, Having an orthopedic, rheumatological or neurological disease other than hallux valgus that will prevent participation in the exercise program Having previous foot surgery, Having a cooperation problem at a level that cannot understand and apply the exercises.