Plantar Fasciitis, ChronicIASTMNCT07487753
Instrumental Soft Tissue Mobilization and Foam Rolling
A study testing Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Foam Roller Therapy in people with Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic, run by Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies at 1 site in India.
Trial summary
This study compares instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Both groups receive structured exercises. The study evaluates changes in pain, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional ability after treatment to determine which… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic
- What is being tested?
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Foam Roller Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIndia
- Study dates
- 15 Apr 2025to 30 Jun 2025
- 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 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- Pain on palpation at the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus
- Pain during the first steps in the morning that decreases after walking
- Symptoms present for more than one month
- Both male and female participants were included Exclusion Criteria
- History of foot surgery
Show all 9Show fewer
- Inflammatory rheumatic disease
- Previous steroid injection
- Radiculopathy affecting the lower limb
Who cannot join
None listed.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Role of Instrumental Soft Tissue Mobilization and Foam Rolling in Managing Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study compares instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Both groups receive structured exercises. The study evaluates changes in pain, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional ability after treatment to determine which intervention is more effective for improving symptoms and physical function.
Read the detailed description
This randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by heel pain and reduced functional mobility, often associated with restricted ankle dorsiflexion and plantar fascia tightness.
Participants diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were recruited from a physiotherapy outpatient department and randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group A received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues along with a structured exercise program. Group B received foam roller therapy targeting the plantar fascia region in addition to the same exercise protocol. Both interventions were administered over a defined treatment period under physiotherapist supervision.
The study aimed to compare the effects of these interventions on pain intensity, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional disability related to plantar fasciitis. Measurements were obtained at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The findings of this study may help identify effective physiotherapy interventions for improving pain and functional outcomes in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic
- Being tested
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Foam Roller Therapy
- Keywords
- Plantar Fasciitis, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Foam Rolling, Pain Reduction, Functional Improvement
- Medical subject headings
- Fasciitis, Plantar
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Other
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues to improve tissue mobility and reduce pain.
Foam Roller TherapyOther
Self-myofascial release using a foam roller applied to the plantar fascia region to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Experimental | IASTM + Exercise Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
| 2 | Active comparator | Foam Roller + Exercise Receives: Other: Foam Roller Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured in degrees using a goniometer
Ankle range of motion will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer.
Measured: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Health-related quality of life measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire
Quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, which evaluates physical and mental health domains. Each domain is scored separately and then transformed to a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate better health status and quality of life.
Measured: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Foot pain and disability measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI)
Foot function and disability related to plantar fasciitis were measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire. Each item of the Foot Function Index (FFI) is rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain or difficulty and 10 indicates the worst pain or extreme difficulty. Scores for the answered items in each subscale are summed and divided by the maximum possible score for that subscale, and the result is multiplied by 100 to obtain a percentage score (FFI Score = Sum of item scores / Maximum possible score × 100). The scores range from 0% to 100%, where 0% represents no pain or disability and 100% represents maximum pain and disability. Higher scores indicate greater pain, functional limitation, and disability related to foot problems. A total FFI score can be calculated by averaging the three subscale scores: Pain, Disability, and Activity Limitation.
Measured: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Mar 2026
- Study start15 Apr 2025
- Primary completion15 Jun 2025
- Study completion30 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Plantar Fasciitis, ChronicStudies 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, DR. ZAHEEN AHMED IQBAL, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07487753
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IASTMvsFR
- Other IDs
- MRIIRS/SAHS/PT/2024-25/009
- Acronym
- IASTM
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared due to institutional and ethical restrictions related to participant confidentiality and consent agreements. However, summarized data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Role of Instrumental Soft Tissue Mobilization and Foam Rolling in Managing Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07487753
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IASTM / IASTMvsFR
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic
- Keywords
- Plantar Fasciitis, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Foam Rolling, Pain Reduction, Functional Improvement
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and StudiesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Mar 2026 (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 compares instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Both groups receive structured exercises. The study evaluates changes in pain, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional ability after treatment to determine which intervention is more effective for improving symptoms and physical function.
Detailed description
This randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by heel pain and reduced functional mobility, often associated with restricted ankle dorsiflexion and plantar fascia tightness.
Participants diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were recruited from a physiotherapy outpatient department and randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group A received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues along with a structured exercise program. Group B received foam roller therapy targeting the plantar fascia region in addition to the same exercise protocol. Both interventions were administered over a defined treatment period under physiotherapist supervision.
The study aimed to compare the effects of these interventions on pain intensity, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional disability related to plantar fasciitis. Measurements were obtained at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The findings of this study may help identify effective physiotherapy interventions for improving pain and functional outcomes in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Experimental | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)IASTM + Exercise |
| 2 | Active comparator | Other: Foam Roller TherapyFoam Roller + Exercise |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- Pain on palpation at the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus
- Pain during the first steps in the morning that decreases after walking
- Symptoms present for more than one month
- Both male and female participants were included Exclusion Criteria
Key exclusion criteria (0 listed)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues to improve tissue mobility and reduce pain. | Other | 1 |
| Foam Roller TherapySelf-myofascial release using a foam roller applied to the plantar fascia region to reduce pain and improve flexibility. | Other | 2 |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured in degrees using a goniometer
Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Ankle range of motion will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer.
Health-related quality of life measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire
Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, which evaluates physical and mental health domains. Each domain is scored separately and then transformed to a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate better health status and quality of life.
Foot pain and disability measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI)
Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)
Foot function and disability related to plantar fasciitis were measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire. Each item of the Foot Function Index (FFI) is rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain or difficulty and 10 indicates the worst pain or extreme difficulty. Scores for the answered items in each subscale are summed and divided by the maximum possible score for that subscale, and the result is multiplied by 100 to obtain a percentage score (FFI Score = Sum of item scores / Maximum possible score × 100). The scores range from 0% to 100%, where 0% represents no pain or disability and 100% represents maximum pain and disability. Higher scores indicate greater pain, functional limitation, and disability related to foot problems. A total FFI score can be calculated by averaging the three subscale scores: Pain, Disability, and Activity Limitation.
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 23 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared due to institutional and ethical restrictions related to participant confidentiality and consent agreements. However, summarized data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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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 Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Foam Roller Therapy in people with Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic, run by Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies at 1 site in India.
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 9 inclusion and 0 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 23 Mar 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 India. 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?
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 23 Mar 2026.