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Comparing Neural Mobilization and Traditional Physiotherapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization in Patients With Planter Fasciitis: A Pilot Study

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07179666
Enrollment
12
Registered
2025-09-18
Start date
2025-09-12
Completion date
2025-12-15
Last updated
2025-09-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Keywords

neural moblization, conventional treatment

Brief summary

To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of neural mobilization targeting the posterior tibial nerve compared to traditional physiotherapy in cases diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a pilot study will be conducted on 12 patients who will have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly divided into either the neural mobilization group or the conventional physiotherapy group, and all will receive three weeks of structured treatment. Results will be evaluated using techniques that will measure plantar pressure with Algometry, Foot Function Index (FFI) scores, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Differences before and after treatment will be tested within the group using paired t-tests, and others will be examined between the groups with independent t-tests.

Interventions

OTHERNeural moblization group

The intervention will involve neural mobilization of the tibial nerve, beginning with distal sliding through ankle dorsiflexion and foot eversion, followed by dorsiflexion of the toes. The movement will then be reversed into plantarflexion to allow proximal nerve excursion. In addition, a tensioner technique will be applied, in which participants will perform 45° hip flexion combined with ankle dorsiflexion and eversion, followed by knee extension, to place a controlled tensile load along the tibial nerve pathway.

OTHERConventional therapy group

The intervention will include manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization to reduce fascial tension and improve local circulation. Stretching exercises will be prescribed to target the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and gastrocnemius-soleus complex in order to enhance flexibility and reduce mechanical strain. In addition, ultrasound therapy will be utilized for its thermal and non-thermal effects to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.

Sponsors

Gulf Medical University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
19 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Participants will be selected within the age range of 19 to 40 years * Meet the diagnostic criteria for plantar fasciitis, including symptoms of first-step pain in the morning and heel pain after long periods of standing, confirmed through clinical examination.

Exclusion criteria

* Individuals will be omitted from the study if they have undergone foot or ankle or foot surgery during the prior 12 months * The presence of severe osteoarthritis, diabetic foot ulcers, or neuropathy

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Foot Function Index3 weeks
Foot Health Status Questionnaire3 weeks

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026