Plantar Fascitis
Conditions
Keywords
Plantar fasciitis, Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) in treating plantar fasciitis. Forty participants will be divided into two groups receiving either ART or SCS over a four-week period. The study aims to identify the more effective manual therapy technique for reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effectiveness of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) in managing plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain and functional limitation. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving either ART or SCS over a four-week period, with sessions conducted three times per week. ART involves targeted pressure with active tissue movement to release adhesions, while SCS uses passive positioning to relieve muscle tension. The study will be conducted at Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine the superior technique. The findings aim to support evidence-based manual therapy approaches in clinical physiotherapy practice.
Interventions
OTHERActive release Technique
Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on manual therapy that targets soft tissue restrictions by combining precise pressure with patient-assisted movement. It helps break down adhesions, improve mobility, and reduce pain by restoring normal tissue function.
OTHERStrain counter strain tecnhnique
Strain-Counterstrain is a gentle, passive manual therapy that relieves muscle tension by positioning the body in a pain-free, comfortable posture. The therapist holds this position for about 90 seconds while applying light pressure to tender points, allowing the muscle and fascia to relax and reset.
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients age 25-45 years diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. * Chronic plantar fasciitis (symptoms lasting more than 3 months). * Ability to participate in active movement for ART.
Exclusion criteria
* Recent lower limb surgery. * Neurological disorders affecting gait or mobility. * Acute inflammatory conditions of the foot.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NPRS | four weeks | The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a 0 to 10 self-reported scale used to assess pain intensity, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain. It is a simple, reliable tool commonly used in clinical trials to measure pain levels before and after interventions. |
| Foot Function Index (FFI) | Four weeks | Functional mobility will be assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), a validated self-reported questionnaire designed to measure the impact of foot pathology on pain, disability, and activity limitation in daily life. |
| Goniometer | Four weeks | a reliable and widely used clinical tool that measures joint angles in degrees. It helps quantify movement limitations and improvements in specific planes, such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORZavata Afnan, MS NMPT
Riphah International University
Outcome results
None listed