ACTIVITY RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE THICKNESS OF PLANTAR FASCIA OF SOME OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS IN NIGERIA: AN ULTRASOUND BASED STUDY

ABSTRACT Background: The degree of physical activity induces strain and stress on the plantar fascia of the foot and the effect of these forces may lead to thickening of the plantar fascia. Methods: The effect of occupation-related physical activity on the thickness of the plantar aponeurosis (PAT) was assessed among four classes of occupation- Labourers/farmers, Dancers, Athletes and an inactive class (control/normal group). Results: Results show that the inactive (control group) had the least value for PAT ( 3.21±0.42 mm ). The dancers and labourers/farmers had higher values than the control though not significant. The value for athletes was significantly higher than the control (P=0.007). Conclusion: Our findings have conclusively established that occupation-related prolonged physical activity induces thickening of the plantar aponeurosis. Interventions should be initiated to avoid the setting in of degenerating conditions that may lead to plantar fasciitis.