Plantar FascitisNCT07576192
Effects of Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Plantar Fasciitis.
A study testing DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE and INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES in people with Plantar Fascitis, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The objective of study is to compare the pain intensity, disability and functional capacity by Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques in patients with plantar fasciitis. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fascitis
- What is being tested?
- DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE and INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to Oct 2026
- 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 40 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Pregnant females Second trimester 12th to 34th week
- Multiparous
- Plantar fasciitis diagnoses with Windlass test
- NPRS pain level 3 to 7
Who cannot join
- History of ankle and foot fractures
- Surgery in previous 6 months
- Neurologic deficit High risk pregnancy
- Previous manual therapy interventions for the foot region
- Those who previously received systemic or local steroid injection within 3 months or locally injected with any other material
- Dermatological disease i.e; injury, trauma, foot ulcer over the foot
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Riphah medical center
Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400
sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM, 03214979172, Sobia.physio@gmail.com
Barera Fatima, MSPT(WH)
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques on Pain Intensity, Disability and Functional Capacity in Plantar Fasciitis.
The objective of study is to compare the pain intensity, disability and functional capacity by Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Read the detailed description
This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. The study will target pregnant females aged 18 to 40 years who are clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis using the Windlass test. Exclusion criteria include a history of ankle or foot fracture or surgery within the past six months, as well as any neurological deficits. A total of 52 participants will be recruited using the non-probability convenience sampling technique and randomly assigned into two equal groups. Participants in both groups will receive the same baseline treatment. Group A will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM), while Group B will receive Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques (IASTMT). The study aims to compare the effectiveness of these two manual therapy techniques on pain intensity, disability, and functional capacity. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess pain levels. Disability will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) will be employed to measure functional capacity. Data collected from participants will be entered and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21 to determine the comparative effectiveness of the two treatment approaches in managing plantar fasciitis during pregnancy.
- Conditions
- Plantar Fascitis
- Being tested
- DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE, INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES
- Keywords
- friction, massage, Pain Measurement, Plantar Fascitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGEOther
12 sessions total (approx.1 and half month) and 2 sessions per week with mild to moderate manual pressure. 15 - 20 min per session will be given to patient for 6 weeks
INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUESOther
- 12 sessions total, (approximately 1 and half month) and 2 sessions per week. Low to moderate pressure with tool will applied for 15 - 20 min per session for 6 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE | Experimental | Deep friction massage (DFM), also known as cross friction massage, is a specific connective tissue massage Receives: Other: DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE |
| INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES | Experimental | ASTM techniques involve the use of specialized instruments to manipulate soft tissue structures. These instruments are designed to provide an efficient detection of soft tissue dysfunction and accurate application of force during treatment. Receives: Other: INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was employed to evaluate pain intensity for all participants in both groups prior to and following the 8-week intervention program. This is 11-point (0-10) self-reporting tool is presented as a 10-cm horizontal line where 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 signifies mild pain, 4-6 represents moderate pain, and 7-10 denotes severe pain. The maximum value corresponds to the worst pain, while the minimum value indicates the absence of pain.
Measured: 6th week
Foot Function Index (FFI)
A Foot Function Index (FFI) was developed to measure the impact of foot pathology on function in terms of pain, disability and activity restriction. The FFI is a self-administered index consisting of 23 items divided into 3 sub-scales. Both total and sub-scale scores are produced.
Measured: 6th week
6 min walk test (6MWT)
used to determine functional ability. The individual walked swiftly for six minutes along a 100-foot hallway, recording the distance travelled in total. If a person with plantar fasciitis has pain or discomfort in the foot during the test, it can suggest the presence of the condition. During the 6-minute walk test, look for indicators of plantar fasciitis as follows.
Measured: 6th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completionOct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2026 (estimated)
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 FascitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576192
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0501
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 4 May 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Sahr ME, Grunebaum A, Positano RC, Nwawka OK, Chervenak FA, Positano RG. Common foot and ankle disorders in pregnancy: the role of diagnostic ultrasound. J Perinat Med. 2024 Aug 27;52(7):674-687. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0276. Print 2024 Sep 25.
PubMed 39213647Foraldy J, Jehosua S, Momole A, Tumewah R, Runtuwene T, Wariki WMV. Plantar Fascia Thickness Difference Between Pregnant and Nulliparous in Indonesia. J Med Ultrasound. 2024 Nov 30;32(4):323-328. doi: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_142_23. eCollection 2024 Oct-Dec.
PubMed 39801557Khairy E, Esmail A, Amin FS, Qudahh MA, Zahran MR. Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2024;96(1):2570-7.
Pisirici P, Cil ET, Coskunsu DK, Sayli U, Subasi F. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Graston Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Chronic Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2022 Nov-Dec;112(6):21-036. doi: 10.7547/21-036.
PubMed 36125974Gala M, Kulkarni P, Kumar A. Comparison of immediate effect of plantar fascia release by roller massager and transverse friction massage on hamstring flexibility in desk job workers. Int J Physiother Res. 2021;9:3954-9.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques on Pain Intensity, Disability and Functional Capacity in Plantar Fasciitis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576192
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0501
- Conditions
- Plantar Fascitis
- Keywords
- friction, massage, Pain Measurement, Plantar Fascitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 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.
The objective of study is to compare the pain intensity, disability and functional capacity by Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Detailed description
This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. The study will target pregnant females aged 18 to 40 years who are clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis using the Windlass test. Exclusion criteria include a history of ankle or foot fracture or surgery within the past six months, as well as any neurological deficits. A total of 52 participants will be recruited using the non-probability convenience sampling technique and randomly assigned into two equal groups. Participants in both groups will receive the same baseline treatment. Group A will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM), while Group B will receive Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques (IASTMT). The study aims to compare the effectiveness of these two manual therapy techniques on pain intensity, disability, and functional capacity. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess pain levels. Disability will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) will be employed to measure functional capacity. Data collected from participants will be entered and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21 to determine the comparative effectiveness of the two treatment approaches in managing plantar fasciitis during pregnancy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE | Experimental | Other: DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGEDeep friction massage (DFM), also known as cross friction massage, is a specific connective tissue massage |
| INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES | Experimental | Other: INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUESASTM techniques involve the use of specialized instruments to manipulate soft tissue structures. These instruments are designed to provide an efficient detection of soft tissue dysfunction and accurate application of force during treatment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Pregnant females Second trimester 12th to 34th week
- Multiparous
- Plantar fasciitis diagnoses with Windlass test
- NPRS pain level 3 to 7
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of ankle and foot fractures
- Surgery in previous 6 months
- Previous manual therapy interventions for the foot region
- Those who previously received systemic or local steroid injection within 3 months or locally injected with any other material
- Dermatological disease i.e; injury, trauma, foot ulcer over the foot
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 |
|---|---|---|
| DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE12 sessions total (approx.1 and half month) and 2 sessions per week with mild to moderate manual pressure. 15 - 20 min per session will be given to patient for 6 weeks | Other | DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE |
| INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES• 12 sessions total, (approximately 1 and half month) and 2 sessions per week. Low to moderate pressure with tool will applied for 15 - 20 min per session for 6 weeks | Other | INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: 6th week
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was employed to evaluate pain intensity for all participants in both groups prior to and following the 8-week intervention program. This is 11-point (0-10) self-reporting tool is presented as a 10-cm horizontal line where 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 signifies mild pain, 4-6 represents moderate pain, and 7-10 denotes severe pain. The maximum value corresponds to the worst pain, while the minimum value indicates the absence of pain.
Foot Function Index (FFI)
Time frame: 6th week
A Foot Function Index (FFI) was developed to measure the impact of foot pathology on function in terms of pain, disability and activity restriction. The FFI is a self-administered index consisting of 23 items divided into 3 sub-scales. Both total and sub-scale scores are produced.
6 min walk test (6MWT)
Time frame: 6th week
used to determine functional ability. The individual walked swiftly for six minutes along a 100-foot hallway, recording the distance travelled in total. If a person with plantar fasciitis has pain or discomfort in the foot during the test, it can suggest the presence of the condition. During the 6-minute walk test, look for indicators of plantar fasciitis as follows.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 39213647Sahr ME, Grunebaum A, Positano RC, Nwawka OK, Chervenak FA, Positano RG. Common foot and ankle disorders in pregnancy: the role of diagnostic ultrasound. J Perinat Med. 2024 Aug 27;52(7):674-687. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0276. Print 2024 Sep 25.
- Background: PubMed 39801557Foraldy J, Jehosua S, Momole A, Tumewah R, Runtuwene T, Wariki WMV. Plantar Fascia Thickness Difference Between Pregnant and Nulliparous in Indonesia. J Med Ultrasound. 2024 Nov 30;32(4):323-328. doi: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_142_23. eCollection 2024 Oct-Dec.
- BackgroundKhairy E, Esmail A, Amin FS, Qudahh MA, Zahran MR. Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2024;96(1):2570-7.
- Background: PubMed 36125974Pisirici P, Cil ET, Coskunsu DK, Sayli U, Subasi F. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Graston Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Chronic Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2022 Nov-Dec;112(6):21-036. doi: 10.7547/21-036.
- BackgroundGala M, Kulkarni P, Kumar A. Comparison of immediate effect of plantar fascia release by roller massager and transverse friction massage on hamstring flexibility in desk job workers. Int J Physiother Res. 2021;9:3954-9.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Plantar Fascitis
Not yet recruiting
Efficacy of TECAR Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Active, not recruiting
Active Release Technique vs. Dynamic Soft Tissue Mobilization for Plantar Pain
Plantar Fascitis
Not yet recruiting
Hip Muscle Strengthening and Calf Myofascial Release in Females With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic Planter Fascitis
Recruiting
F-18 Sodium Fluoride PET/CT-Guided Pain Palliation in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Comparative Study of ¹⁷⁷Lutetium-Corticosteroid-Local Anaesthetic Injection vs Corticosteroid-Local Anaesthetic Injection
Plantar Fascitis, Chronic Heel Pain
Not yet recruiting
Radial vs Focused Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic
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.
sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing DEEP TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE and INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES in people with Plantar Fascitis, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 inclusion and 6 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 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 Pakistan. 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?
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 imran amjad (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: 6th week). 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 NCT07576192, 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 24 Sep 2026.