Comparing Neural Mobilization and Traditional Physiotherapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

NCT ID: NCT07179666

Last Updated: 2025-09-18

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 12 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-09-12
• Study Completion Date: 2025-12-15

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.

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Neural Mobilization Therapy

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Neural moblization group

Intervention Type: OTHER

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.

Conventional Physical therapy treatment

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Conventional therapy group

Intervention Type: OTHER

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.

Interventions

Neural 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.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Conventional 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.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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

• Minimum Eligible Age: 19 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 40 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Gulf Medical University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Other Identifiers

IRB-COHS-STD-137-Mar-2025

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id