Plantar FasciaNCT06915571
The Effect of Graston Technique on Ankle Mobility, Sit-Reach Test and Y-Balance Test
A study testing Plantar Fascia Stretching. and Graston Technique in people with Plantar Fascia and Flexibility, run by Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigates the effects of plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application on ankle mobility, flexibility and Y-Balance test results in recreationally active young adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fascia, Flexibility, Y-balance Performance
- What is being tested?
- Plantar Fascia Stretching. and Graston Technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2025to 1 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- To be between the ages of 18-35
- Doing regular physical activity at least 2-3 times a week (Individuals who do sports recreationally)
- Individuals who signed the voluntary consent form before participating in the study and agreed to participate in all stages consciously
Who cannot join
- Having an ankle injury, plantar fascia or lower limb condition
- Serious injury, surgery or trauma to the lower extremity within the last 6 months
- Individuals practicing sports at a professional level
- Not volunteering to participate in the study or wanting to leave the study during the assessments
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
University of Health Sciences
Ankara, Kecioren, 06610
About this study
Official title: Assessment of Ankle Mobility, Flexibility, and Y-Balance Test Before and After Plantar Fascia Stretching and Plantar Fascia Stretching Combined With Graston Technique in Recreationally Active Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
This study investigates the effects of plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application on ankle mobility, flexibility and Y-Balance test results in recreationally active young adults. By comparing the effects of the two treatment methods on ankle function, it aims to demonstrate the potential benefits of both treatments.
It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.
Read the detailed description
The plantar fascia, also known as the plantar aponeurosis, is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to the proximal phalanges of the toes. It consists of three different segments: medial, central and lateral bands.
The Graston technique (GT) is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique that reduces pain, improves overall function and increases range of motion. GT reduces the overall rehabilitation time, uses less pressure and energy, and increases the depth of tissue that can be treated. Furthermore, GT does not compress tissues; the superficial fascia layer is easily mobilized, allowing access to deeper restrictions.
The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a clinical measurement tool used to assess dynamic balance. Asymmetries between extremities in the anterior direction have been associated with a 2-fold increased risk of lower extremity injury. This study examines how ankle mobility, flexibility, and Y-Balance examination results are affected in young adults who engage in recreational activities by plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application. It seeks to illustrate the possible advantages of both therapies by contrasting how the two approaches affect ankle function. People between the ages of 18 and 35 who regularly exercise for leisure at least two to three times a week and who have signed a voluntary permission form committing to actively participate in all study phases will be included. If a participant has a history of lower limb, plantar fascia, or ankle injuries, has had a major injury, surgery, or trauma to the lower extremities in the previous six months, plays professional sports, or declines to participate or withdraws during the evaluations, they will be disqualified. The control group will receive plantar fascia stretching. In addition to stretching the plantar fascia, the experimental group will also receive graston method treatment. A goniometer will be used to objectively measure ankle mobility both before and after the treatment. The Sit and Reach Box (Lafayette Instrument Sit and Reach Box, Flexibility Tester) at the faculty will be used to measure the applicant's flexibility both before and after the application. The participants' balance will be evaluated using the Y Balance TestTM. There shouldn't be any risks or difficulties prior to, during, or following the tests and procedures. It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.
- Being tested
- Plantar Fascia Stretching., Graston Technique
- Keywords
- plantar fascia, flexibility, y-balance performance, recreactional activities, exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Plantar Fascia Stretching.Other
It consists of participants who will undergo plantar fascia stretching.
Graston TechniqueOther
It consists of participants who will underwent graston technique application.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar Fascia Stretching. | Experimental | In the sitting and cross-legged position, the patient will be taught self-plantar fascia stretching. It will be done with 10 repetitions for each 2 extremities. Receives: Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching. |
| Plantar Fascia Stretching and Graston Technique Application | Experimental | The patient will be taught self-plantar fascia stretching in sitting and cross-legged position. It will be done with 10 repetitions for each 2 extremities. Then, in prone position, 5 minutes of Graston application will be performed on both plantar fascia. Receives: Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching.; Other: Graston Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Ankle Mobility
Ankle mobility; dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion movements will be evaluated with a goniometer before and after the intervention.
Measured: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour
Flexibility Assessment
Flexibility Assessment, Sit and Reach Test will be measured before and after the intervention using the Flexibility Measurement Stand
Measured: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour.
Balance
Balance assessment will be measured before and after the intervention with the Y-Balance test.
Measured: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Apr 2025
- Study start1 Jun 2025
- Primary completion1 Feb 2026
- Study completion1 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Plantar FasciaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- One group will undergo plantar fascia stretching. In the other group, graston technique will be applied in addition to plantar fascia stretching. Participants in the study will be between the ages of 18-35.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Emre Serdar Atalay, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06915571
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-576
- Other IDs
- Academician
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Venosa M, Romanini E, Vitale L, Logroscino G. Spontaneous rupture of the plantar fascia: a case report. Front Rehabil Sci. 2024 Aug 27;5:1470002. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1470002. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 39257473DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, Moore EA, Murray JC, Wilding GE, Baumhauer JF. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003 Jul;85(7):1270-7. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200307000-00013.
PubMed 12851352Hartley EM, Hoch MC, Boling MC. Y-balance test performance and BMI are associated with ankle sprain injury in collegiate male athletes. J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Jul;21(7):676-680. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.10.014. Epub 2017 Nov 6.
PubMed 29102301Bergevin MA, Daugherty CC, Bove KE, McAdams AJ. The internal carotid artery siphon in children and adolescents. Hum Pathol. 1991 Jun;22(6):603-6. doi: 10.1016/0046-8177(91)90239-l.
PubMed 1864591Abdel-Aal NM, Elsayyad MM, Megahed AA. Short-term effect of adding Graston technique to exercise program in treatment of patients with cervicogenic headache: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2021 Oct;57(5):758-766. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.06595-3. Epub 2021 May 5.
PubMed 33947825
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Assessment of Ankle Mobility, Flexibility, and Y-Balance Test Before and After Plantar Fascia Stretching and Plantar Fascia Stretching Combined With Graston Technique in Recreationally Active Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06915571
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2024-576
- Keywords
- plantar fascia, flexibility, y-balance performance, recreactional activities, exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, TurkeyUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates the effects of plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application on ankle mobility, flexibility and Y-Balance test results in recreationally active young adults. By comparing the effects of the two treatment methods on ankle function, it aims to demonstrate the potential benefits of both treatments.
It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.
Detailed description
The plantar fascia, also known as the plantar aponeurosis, is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to the proximal phalanges of the toes. It consists of three different segments: medial, central and lateral bands.
The Graston technique (GT) is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique that reduces pain, improves overall function and increases range of motion. GT reduces the overall rehabilitation time, uses less pressure and energy, and increases the depth of tissue that can be treated. Furthermore, GT does not compress tissues; the superficial fascia layer is easily mobilized, allowing access to deeper restrictions.
The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a clinical measurement tool used to assess dynamic balance. Asymmetries between extremities in the anterior direction have been associated with a 2-fold increased risk of lower extremity injury. This study examines how ankle mobility, flexibility, and Y-Balance examination results are affected in young adults who engage in recreational activities by plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia stretching with graston application. It seeks to illustrate the possible advantages of both therapies by contrasting how the two approaches affect ankle function. People between the ages of 18 and 35 who regularly exercise for leisure at least two to three times a week and who have signed a voluntary permission form committing to actively participate in all study phases will be included. If a participant has a history of lower limb, plantar fascia, or ankle injuries, has had a major injury, surgery, or trauma to the lower extremities in the previous six months, plays professional sports, or declines to participate or withdraws during the evaluations, they will be disqualified. The control group will receive plantar fascia stretching. In addition to stretching the plantar fascia, the experimental group will also receive graston method treatment. A goniometer will be used to objectively measure ankle mobility both before and after the treatment. The Sit and Reach Box (Lafayette Instrument Sit and Reach Box, Flexibility Tester) at the faculty will be used to measure the applicant's flexibility both before and after the application. The participants' balance will be evaluated using the Y Balance TestTM. There shouldn't be any risks or difficulties prior to, during, or following the tests and procedures. It was intended to involve 60 participants, or 95% of the interval 0.80's study power.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- One group will undergo plantar fascia stretching. In the other group, graston technique will be applied in addition to plantar fascia stretching. Participants in the study will be between the ages of 18-35.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar Fascia Stretching. | Experimental | Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching.In the sitting and cross-legged position, the patient will be taught self-plantar fascia stretching. It will be done with 10 repetitions for each 2 extremities. |
| Plantar Fascia Stretching and Graston Technique Application | Experimental | Other: Plantar Fascia Stretching., Other: Graston TechniqueThe patient will be taught self-plantar fascia stretching in sitting and cross-legged position. It will be done with 10 repetitions for each 2 extremities. Then, in prone position, 5 minutes of Graston application will be performed on both plantar fascia. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- To be between the ages of 18-35
- Doing regular physical activity at least 2-3 times a week (Individuals who do sports recreationally)
- Individuals who signed the voluntary consent form before participating in the study and agreed to participate in all stages consciously
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Having an ankle injury, plantar fascia or lower limb condition
- Serious injury, surgery or trauma to the lower extremity within the last 6 months
- Individuals practicing sports at a professional level
- Not volunteering to participate in the study or wanting to leave the study during the assessments
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar Fascia Stretching.It consists of participants who will undergo plantar fascia stretching. | Other | Plantar Fascia Stretching and Graston Technique Application, Plantar Fascia Stretching. |
| Graston TechniqueIt consists of participants who will underwent graston technique application. | Other | Plantar Fascia Stretching and Graston Technique Application |
Primary outcome
Ankle Mobility
Time frame: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour
Ankle mobility; dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion movements will be evaluated with a goniometer before and after the intervention.
Flexibility Assessment
Time frame: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour.
Flexibility Assessment, Sit and Reach Test will be measured before and after the intervention using the Flexibility Measurement Stand
Balance
Time frame: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour.
Balance assessment will be measured before and after the intervention with the Y-Balance test.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 39257473Venosa M, Romanini E, Vitale L, Logroscino G. Spontaneous rupture of the plantar fascia: a case report. Front Rehabil Sci. 2024 Aug 27;5:1470002. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1470002. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 12851352DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, Moore EA, Murray JC, Wilding GE, Baumhauer JF. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003 Jul;85(7):1270-7. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200307000-00013.
- Background: PubMed 29102301Hartley EM, Hoch MC, Boling MC. Y-balance test performance and BMI are associated with ankle sprain injury in collegiate male athletes. J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Jul;21(7):676-680. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.10.014. Epub 2017 Nov 6.
- Background: PubMed 1864591Bergevin MA, Daugherty CC, Bove KE, McAdams AJ. The internal carotid artery siphon in children and adolescents. Hum Pathol. 1991 Jun;22(6):603-6. doi: 10.1016/0046-8177(91)90239-l.
- Background: PubMed 33947825Abdel-Aal NM, Elsayyad MM, Megahed AA. Short-term effect of adding Graston technique to exercise program in treatment of patients with cervicogenic headache: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2021 Oct;57(5):758-766. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.06595-3. Epub 2021 May 5.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Plantar Fascia Stretching. and Graston Technique in people with Plantar Fascia and Flexibility, run by Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Ankle Mobility (time frame: before and after the intervention, within 1 hour). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06915571, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Feb 2026.