Active Release Technique Versus Strain-Counter Strain in Improving Pain and Function in Plantar Fasciitis

NCT ID: NCT07078513

Last Updated: 2025-11-18

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-08-15
• Study Completion Date: 2026-02-28

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.

Conditions

Plantar Fascitis

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Active release Technique

Participants in this group will receive Active Release Technique (ART), a manual therapy approach focused on relieving soft tissue restrictions. The therapist will apply targeted pressure to areas of adhesion while the patient actively moves the affected tissue through its full range of motion. Each session will include approximately 30 repetitions and will be conducted three times per week for four weeks. This technique aims to restore normal tissue mobility and reduce pain.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Active release Technique

Intervention Type: OTHER

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.

Strain counter strain tecnhnique

Participants in this group will receive Strain-Counterstrain (SCS), a gentle manual therapy technique designed to reduce muscle tension and pain. The therapist will passively position the patient into a position of maximal comfort, targeting specific tender points. This position is held for approximately 90 seconds while maintaining light pressure, allowing the muscle and fascia to relax. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, aiming to restore tissue balance and reduce discomfort.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Strain counter strain tecnhnique

Intervention Type: OTHER

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.

Interventions

Active 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.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Strain 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.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 45 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Riphah international University Malakand Campus

Chakdara, KPK, Pakistan

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Pakistan

Central Contacts

Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT

Role: CONTACT

zavata.afnan@riphah.edu.pk

03434411214

Facility Contacts

Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT

Role: primary

Zavata.afnan@riphah.edu.pk

03434411214

Other Identifiers

REC-01016 Asad Zaman

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id