Effect of Foot Core Control Training on Dorsiflexion Function and Gait Biomechanical Characteristics of Patients With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

NCT ID: NCT07182201

Last Updated: 2025-09-19

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 34 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-09-22
• Study Completion Date: 2025-12-31

Brief Summary

The pain and abnormal gait postures observed in CPF patients may be associated with impaired foot function. However, few studies have examined the dorsiflexion function of the big toe in CPF patients, and the effectiveness of foot core control training in alleviating pain and improving gait remains unclear. Restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) may severely compromise foot function, leading to gait pattern alterations and subsequent instability. To address this, our study aims to improve symptoms, functional outcomes, and gait through foot core control training interventions. We recorded kinematic parameters and biomechanical data during the foot's plantar phase at toe-off before and after functional training for CPF patients. Comparative analysis between intervention groups revealed whether foot core control training can effectively enhance big toe dorsiflexion function and gait biomechanics in CPF patients. This research clarifies the therapeutic efficacy of foot core control training for CPF patients.

Conditions

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis; Functional Hallux Limitus

Study Design

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

Study Groups

Foot core control training combined + regular CPF training

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Foot core control training

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

(1) Toe Yoga : When MTPJ1 actively dorsiflexes, the other four toes remain in contact with the ground. The subject lifts the big toe while the remaining four toes stay on the ground; conversely, when the big toe contacts the ground, the other four toes lift upward, alternating this pattern. (2)Doming: While keeping MTPJ1 in contact with the ground, elevate the foot arch. This exercise strengthens intrinsic foot muscle strength, helping stabilize the arch and first metatarsal. The subject tightens the toes, bringing the forefoot toward the heel to form and enhance the arch. Maintain all toes firmly planted on the ground, ensuring no ankle inversion, no forced flexion or extension of toes, and hold at maximum position. Perform training seated to avoid compensatory movements by external muscles during exercise. (3) Toe Abduction Exercises（4）Dynamic Exercise Progression

CPF Conventional training

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

The key points of the exercise are as follows: (1) Fascia ball release of plantar fascia (2) Plantar fascia stretching (3) Gastrocnemius muscle stretching (4) Toe grab towel

regular CPF training

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

CPF Conventional training

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

The key points of the exercise are as follows: (1) Fascia ball release of plantar fascia (2) Plantar fascia stretching (3) Gastrocnemius muscle stretching (4) Toe grab towel

Interventions

Foot core control training

(1) Toe Yoga : When MTPJ1 actively dorsiflexes, the other four toes remain in contact with the ground. The subject lifts the big toe while the remaining four toes stay on the ground; conversely, when the big toe contacts the ground, the other four toes lift upward, alternating this pattern. (2)Doming: While keeping MTPJ1 in contact with the ground, elevate the foot arch. This exercise strengthens intrinsic foot muscle strength, helping stabilize the arch and first metatarsal. The subject tightens the toes, bringing the forefoot toward the heel to form and enhance the arch. Maintain all toes firmly planted on the ground, ensuring no ankle inversion, no forced flexion or extension of toes, and hold at maximum position. Perform training seated to avoid compensatory movements by external muscles during exercise. (3) Toe Abduction Exercises（4）Dynamic Exercise Progression

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

CPF Conventional training

The key points of the exercise are as follows: (1) Fascia ball release of plantar fascia (2) Plantar fascia stretching (3) Gastrocnemius muscle stretching (4) Toe grab towel

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• (1) Ultrasound findings indicating plantar fascia thickness>4 mm or 20% thickening compared to the contralateral side; (2) Age 25-45 years; (3) Ankle dorsiflexion range <65° in weight-bearing standing position; (4) Persistent heel pain lasting ≥3 months but ≤1 year; (5) No prior treatment within 1 month prior to hospital admission; (6) Subjects without prior CPF surgical intervention.

Exclusion Criteria

• (1) Concurrent presence of severe malignant diseases; (2) Abnormal conditions such as skin ulcers or infections on the sole; (3) Concurrent neurological or immunological disorders; (4) Concurrent heel deformity or fracture; (5) Secondary CPF caused by rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or other conditions; (6) Concurrent cognitive impairment, mental abnormalities, or difficulty completing relevant assessment scales.

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

Sponsors

Peking University Third Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Central Contacts

Hongshi Huang

Role: CONTACT

cg15522336527@qq.com

15522336527

Other Identifiers

M20250140

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id