Plantar FasciitisNG-PFNCT07662941
Effects of Neural Gliding Addes to ESWT and Standard Exercise in Plantar Fasciitis
A study testing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Standard Exercise Program and Neural Gliding Exercises in people with Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and may lead to pain, decreased foot function, impaired balance, and reduced quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and exercise therapy are commonly used conservative treatment approaches. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain
- What is being tested?
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Standard Exercise Program and Neural Gliding Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 26 Dec 2024to 26 Dec 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 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosed with plantar fasciitis
- Aged between 18 and 60 years
- Male or female participants
- Willing to participate voluntarily in the study
- Able to comply with treatment and evaluation procedures
Who cannot join
- Lack of cooperation or inability to follow instructions
- Presence of systemic or metabolic disease
- Malignancy, osteoporosis, fracture, coagulation disorders, active infection, or pacemaker implantation
- Pregnancy
- Receiving any other treatment for plantar fasciitis during the study period
- Having received treatment for plantar fasciitis within the last 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
University of Health Sciences Gulhane Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Ankara, 06010
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Neural Gliding Exercises Added to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Standard Exercise Treatment in Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and may lead to pain, decreased foot function, impaired balance, and reduced quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and exercise therapy are commonly used conservative treatment approaches. This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the additional effects of neural gliding exercises when combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standard exercise treatment in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of neural gliding exercises added to extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standard exercise treatment in individuals with plantar fasciitis. A total of 56 participants diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in the study and randomly assigned into two groups.
The first group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with a standard exercise program. The second group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy, the same standard exercise program, and additional neural gliding exercises.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy was applied once weekly for five weeks, with 2000 impulses per session. Participants were instructed to perform their home exercise program twice daily for five weeks.
Outcome measures included pain intensity, foot function, muscle flexibility, balance performance, walking-related functional performance, muscle strength, heel raise performance, and physical activity level. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention period.
The aim of this study was to determine whether adding neural gliding exercises to conventional treatment provides additional clinical benefit in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain
- Being tested
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Standard Exercise Program, Neural Gliding Exercises
- Keywords
- Neural Gliding, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Exercise Therapy, Plantar Fascia, Foot Pain, Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Medical subject headings
- Fasciitis, Plantar
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave TherapyDevice
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy was applied once weekly for 5 weeks, with 2000 pulses per session.
Standard Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Participants performed a standardized home exercise program twice daily for 5 weeks, 10 repetitions for each exercise session.
Neural Gliding ExercisesBehavioural
Participants performed neural gliding exercises as an adjunct to the standard exercise program for 5 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| ESWT + Standart Exercise | Experimental | Participants received extracorporeal shock wave therapy once weekly for 5 weeks (2000 pulses/session) in addition to a standard home exercise performed twice daily for 5 weeks. Receives: Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy; Behavioral: Standard Exercise Program |
| ESWT + Standard Exercise + Neural Gliding | Experimental | Participants received extracorporeal shock wave therapy once weekly for 5 weeks (2000 pulse/sessions), a standard home exercise program twice daily and additional neural gliding exercise for 5 weeks. Receives: Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy; Behavioral: Standard Exercise Program; Behavioral: Neural Gliding Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment and after 5 weeks of invertion.
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
Foot Function Index (FFI)
Foot related pain, disabilitya and activity limitation will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index before treatment and after 5 weeks.
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
Secondary outcomes (6)
Muscle Shortness Assessment
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
Single Leg Stance Test
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
Heel Raise Test
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
One Step Walking Test
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
Muscle Strength Assessment
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Measured: Baseline and Week 5
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Jun 2026
- Study start26 Dec 2024
- Primary completion26 Dec 2025
- Study completion26 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Plantar FasciitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt 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
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel intervention groups and received treatment for five weeks.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Bihter Aslanyurek, Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07662941
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AYBU-PF-2026-01
- Acronym
- NG-PF
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Yıldız B., Akınoğlu B. Effectiveness of neural gliding exercises combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standad exercise program in individuals with plantar fasciitis: randomized controlled trial protocol. Ankara, Turkiye, 2026.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effects of Neural Gliding Exercises Added to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Standard Exercise Treatment in Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07662941
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NG-PF / AYBU-PF-2026-01
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain
- Keywords
- Neural Gliding, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Exercise Therapy, Plantar Fascia, Foot Pain, Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital
- Study start
- 26 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 26 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Jun 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.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and may lead to pain, decreased foot function, impaired balance, and reduced quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and exercise therapy are commonly used conservative treatment approaches. This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the additional effects of neural gliding exercises when combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standard exercise treatment in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of neural gliding exercises added to extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standard exercise treatment in individuals with plantar fasciitis. A total of 56 participants diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in the study and randomly assigned into two groups.
The first group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with a standard exercise program. The second group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy, the same standard exercise program, and additional neural gliding exercises.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy was applied once weekly for five weeks, with 2000 impulses per session. Participants were instructed to perform their home exercise program twice daily for five weeks.
Outcome measures included pain intensity, foot function, muscle flexibility, balance performance, walking-related functional performance, muscle strength, heel raise performance, and physical activity level. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention period.
The aim of this study was to determine whether adding neural gliding exercises to conventional treatment provides additional clinical benefit in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel intervention groups and received treatment for five weeks.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| ESWT + Standart Exercise | Experimental | Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Behavioral: Standard Exercise ProgramParticipants received extracorporeal shock wave therapy once weekly for 5 weeks (2000 pulses/session) in addition to a standard home exercise performed twice daily for 5 weeks. |
| ESWT + Standard Exercise + Neural Gliding | Experimental | Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Behavioral: Standard Exercise Program, Behavioral: Neural Gliding ExercisesParticipants received extracorporeal shock wave therapy once weekly for 5 weeks (2000 pulse/sessions), a standard home exercise program twice daily and additional neural gliding exercise for 5 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosed with plantar fasciitis
- Aged between 18 and 60 years
- Male or female participants
- Willing to participate voluntarily in the study
- Able to comply with treatment and evaluation procedures
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Lack of cooperation or inability to follow instructions
- Presence of systemic or metabolic disease
- Malignancy, osteoporosis, fracture, coagulation disorders, active infection, or pacemaker implantation
- Pregnancy
- Receiving any other treatment for plantar fasciitis during the study period
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Extracorporeal Shock Wave TherapyExtracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy was applied once weekly for 5 weeks, with 2000 pulses per session. | Device | ESWT + Standard Exercise + Neural Gliding, ESWT + Standart Exercise |
| Standard Exercise ProgramParticipants performed a standardized home exercise program twice daily for 5 weeks, 10 repetitions for each exercise session. | Behavioural | ESWT + Standard Exercise + Neural Gliding, ESWT + Standart Exercise |
| Neural Gliding ExercisesParticipants performed neural gliding exercises as an adjunct to the standard exercise program for 5 weeks. | Behavioural | ESWT + Standard Exercise + Neural Gliding |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment and after 5 weeks of invertion.
Foot Function Index (FFI)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
Foot related pain, disabilitya and activity limitation will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index before treatment and after 5 weeks.
6 secondary outcomes
Muscle Shortness Assessment
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
Single Leg Stance Test
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
Heel Raise Test
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
One Step Walking Test
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
Muscle Strength Assessment
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 5
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 Jun 2026.
- BackgroundYıldız B., Akınoğlu B. Effectiveness of neural gliding exercises combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standad exercise program in individuals with plantar fasciitis: randomized controlled trial protocol. Ankara, Turkiye, 2026.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Plantar Fasciitis
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. 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 Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Standard Exercise Program and Neural Gliding Exercises in people with Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University 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 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jun 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?
Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) (time frame: Baseline and Week 5). The study lists 2 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 NCT07662941, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 Jun 2026.