AzTrials
AzTrials

Plantar FasciitisHILTNCT07287046

A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study Comparing the Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

A study testing High power Laser therapy and Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in people with Plantar Fasciitis, run by Mahidol University.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (fESWT) in reducing pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
Conditions the study is for
Plantar Fasciitis
What is being tested?
High power Laser therapy and Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
28 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
28 Feb 2026to 20 Feb 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients aged 18-70 years
  • Pain was worse in the initial step after and an extended period of rest
  • Pain was decreased initially after the first steps but exacerbated with increased activity
  • VAS ≥ 4
  • Pain was localized and sharp but not radiating,
  • Pain was reproduced with palpation of the plantar fascia

Who cannot join

  • Have Wound/Infection/tumor in treatment area
  • History of foot trauma in 3 months
  • History of intervention at plantar fascia in 6 months such as Ultrasound therapy, steroid injection, surgery or botulinum toxin injection
  • Pain medication within one week before participation
  • Patient wasn't desired to participate in the study

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Peerada Eurcherdkul, Doctor of Medicine contact

+6692-272-0652

eurpeerada@gmail.com

Suttinon Jitjai, Dortor of Medicine contact

+89-463-3401

About this study

Official title: A Comparison of Efficacy Between High-intensity Laser Therapy and Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patient With Plantar Fasciitis; Single Blinded Randomize Controlled Study

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (fESWT) in reducing pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study also examines the effects of HILT and fESWT on health-related outcomes, including VAS-FA, FFI, plantar fascia thickness, and adverse events.

Researchers will compare HILT with fESWT as treatment options for patients with plantar fasciitis.

Participants will receive either HILT or fESWT along with an exercise program. They will attend follow-up visits to assess outcomes at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the first treatment.

Being tested
High power Laser therapy, Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Medical subject headings
Fasciitis, Plantar

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • High power Laser therapyDevice

    High-power laser therapy (iLUX® XP) was applied using a power output of 6 W, an energy density of 5 J/cm², and a spot size of 10 cm², delivering a total energy of 150 J per session. Treatment consisted of 6 sessions, administered twice per week for 3 weeks

  • Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapyDevice

    Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) using the DUOLITH® SD1 (STORZ Medical) was applied at a frequency of 4 Hz, starting at an energy flux density of 0.2 mJ/mm² and gradually increased as tolerated. Each session consisted of 2,000 shocks, for a total of 3 sessions (one session per week)

Study groups in NCT07287046
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
HILT groupExperimentalHigh-power laser therapy (iLUX® XP) was applied using a power output of 6 W, an energy density of 5 J/cm², and a spot size of 10 cm², delivering a total energy of 150 J per session. Treatment consisted of 6 sessions, administered twice per week for 3 weeks.
Receives: Device: High power Laser therapy
fESWT groupActive comparatorFocused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) using the DUOLITH® SD1 (STORZ Medical) was applied at a frequency of 4 Hz, starting at an energy flux density of 0.2 mJ/mm² and gradually increased as tolerated. Each session consisted of 2,000 shocks, for a total of 3 sessions (one session per week)
Receives: Device: Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Visual analog scale (VAS)

    a pain rating scale based on self-reported measures of symptoms that are recorded with a single handwritten mark placed at one point along the length of a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between the two ends of the scale "no pain" on the left end (0 cm) of the scale and the "worst pain" on the right end of the scale (10 cm) Measurements from the starting point (left end) of the scale to the patients' marks are recorded in centimeters and are interpreted as their pain

    Measured: Pre-treatment, and at 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-week post-treatment

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. VAS-FA Thai version

    The parameter used to assess the level of pain in several foot activities, 0-100 point scale, a higher score means a better outcome

    Measured: Pre-treatment, and at 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-week post-treatment

  2. Foot function index Thai version

    a self-reporting questionnaire covering several dimensions of foot function categorized in 3 subscales that quantify the impacts of foot problems on pain, disability and activity limitation. FFI use a horizontal numeric block rating scale with 10 equal size boxes ranging from 0 to 9. A higher score indicates a higher severity.

    Measured: Pre-treatment, and at 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-week post-treatment

  3. Thickness of plantar fasciitis

    The plantar fascia thickness was measured at the point of plantar fascial insertion into the calcaneus with ultrasound machine in longitudinal view of tendon in both affected and healthy feet (mm). The quantitative measurement was achieved by recording the thickest part measured.

    Measured: Pre-treatment, and 12-week post-treatment

  4. Adverse events

    Including post-treatment soreness, burns, a burning sensation, and hematoma

    Measured: Pre-treatment, and at 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-week post-treatment

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Dec 2025
  2. Study start28 Feb 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion20 Feb 2027 (estimated)

Resources

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
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
28 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07287046
Sponsor's protocol ID
MURA2025/885
Other IDs
Ramathibodi Hospital
Acronym
HILT
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
3 Dec 2025
Last updated
25 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared. Data will be analyzed and reported only in aggregate form in scientific publications, including baseline characteristics and study outcomes

Publications

  • Sahni K, Sanyal B, Agrawal MS, Pant GC, Khanna NN, Khanna S. Carcinoma of breast associated with pregnancy and lactation. J Surg Oncol. 1981;16(2):167-73. doi: 10.1002/jso.2930160208.

    PubMed 7464155
  • Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J'Bari A, Prior T, Griffiths IB, Rathleff MS, Gulle H, Vicenzino B, Barton CJ. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med. 2021 Oct;55(19):1106-1118. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970. Epub 2021 Mar 30.

    PubMed 33785535
  • Alam M, Warycha M. Complications of lasers and light treatments. Dermatol Ther. 2011 Nov-Dec;24(6):571-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01476.x.

    PubMed 22515672
  • Ermutlu C, Aksakal M, Gumustas A, Ozkaya G, Kovalak E, Ozkan Y. Thickness of plantar fascia is not predictive of functional outcome in plantar fasciitis treatment. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2018 Nov;52(6):442-446. doi: 10.1016/j.aott.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

    PubMed 30314878
  • Angthong C, Chernchujit B, Suntharapa T, Harnroongroj T. Visual analogue scale foot and ankle: validity and reliability of Thai version of the new outcome score in subjective form. J Med Assoc Thai. 2011 Aug;94(8):952-7.

    PubMed 21863677
  • Delgado DA, Lambert BS, Boutris N, McCulloch PC, Robbins AB, Moreno MR, Harris JD. Validation of Digital Visual Analog Scale Pain Scoring With a Traditional Paper-based Visual Analog Scale in Adults. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2018 Mar 23;2(3):e088. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-17-00088. eCollection 2018 Mar.

    PubMed 30211382
  • Keskula DR, Tamburello M. Conservative management of piriformis syndrome. J Athl Train. 1992;27(2):102-10.

    PubMed 16558144
  • Naruseviciute D, Kubilius R. The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2020 Aug;34(8):1072-1082. doi: 10.1177/0269215520929073. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

    PubMed 32513018
  • Gollwitzer H, Diehl P, von Korff A, Rahlfs VW, Gerdesmeyer L. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic painful heel syndrome: a prospective, double blind, randomized trial assessing the efficacy of a new electromagnetic shock wave device. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2007 Sep-Oct;46(5):348-57. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2007.05.011.

    PubMed 17761319
  • Huffer D, Hing W, Newton R, Clair M. Strength training for plantar fasciitis and the intrinsic foot musculature: A systematic review. Phys Ther Sport. 2017 Mar;24:44-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.08.008. Epub 2016 Aug 18.

    PubMed 27692740
  • Porter D, Barrill E, Oneacre K, May BD. The effects of duration and frequency of Achilles tendon stretching on dorsiflexion and outcome in painful heel syndrome: a randomized, blinded, control study. Foot Ankle Int. 2002 Jul;23(7):619-24. doi: 10.1177/107110070202300706.

    PubMed 12146772
  • Petraglia F, Ramazzina I, Costantino C. Plantar fasciitis in athletes: diagnostic and treatment strategies. A systematic review. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2017 May 10;7(1):107-118. doi: 10.11138/mltj/2017.7.1.107. eCollection 2017 Jan-Mar.

    PubMed 28717618
  • Zare Bidoki M, Vafaeei Nasab MR, Khatibi Aghda A. Comparison of High-intensity Laser Therapy with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Iran J Med Sci. 2024 Mar 1;49(3):147-155. doi: 10.30476/IJMS.2023.98042.2991. eCollection 2024 Mar.

    PubMed 38584653
  • Thammajaree C, Theapthong M, Palee P, Pakpakorn P, Sitti T, Sakulsriprasert P, Bunprajun T, Thong-On S. Effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus high intensity laser therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis: A randomised clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2023 May 23;38(1):127. doi: 10.1007/s10103-023-03791-5.

    PubMed 37219650
  • Ordahan B, Karahan AY, Kaydok E. The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Aug;33(6):1363-1369. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2497-6. Epub 2018 Apr 7.

    PubMed 29627888

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing High power Laser therapy and Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in people with Plantar Fasciitis, run by Mahidol University.

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 6 inclusion and 5 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Peerada Eurcherdkul, Doctor of Medicine (+6692-272-0652, eurpeerada@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Visual analog scale (VAS) (time frame: Pre-treatment, and at 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-week post-treatment). 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 NCT07287046, which also lists 26 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 25 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in