Chronic Planter FascitisNCT07908602
Hip Muscle Strengthening and Calf Myofascial Release in Females With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
A study testing Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises and Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release in people with Chronic Planter Fascitis, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of hip muscle strengthening with and without myofascial release of the calf muscle on pain and disability in females with chronic plantar fasciitis. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Planter Fascitis
- What is being tested?
- Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises and Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 27 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 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 25 to 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for plantar fasciitis. Age between 25-45 years. NPRS score between >3-6. History of chronic plantar heel pain for at least 3 consecutive months. Positive Windlass Test. Morning first-step pain intensity >5 cm on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Who cannot join
- Recent history of foot, ankle, or lower limb surgery. Corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis within the previous three months.
- Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting lower limb function. Pregnancy. Heel pain due to any other systemic inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hyperuricemia (uric acid disorders), or other causes of heel pain.
- Foot or ankle fracture within the previous six months. Participation in any structured physiotherapy program for plantar fasciitis during the previous month.
- Presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendon rupture, or other significant foot pathologies.
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
UMT
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Fizza Masood Dr., MS-OMPT, +923344318731, fizza.masood@umt.edu.pk
Rabia Jawa CoD Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, MPhil PT, +923434570838, rabia.jawa@umt.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Effects of Hip Muscle Strengthening With and Without Myofascial Release of Calf Muscle on Pain and Disability in Females With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis.
This study aims to compare the effects of hip muscle strengthening with and without myofascial release of the calf muscle on pain and disability in females with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to limitations in walking, daily activities, and functional performance. Factors such as calf muscle tightness, restricted ankle dorsiflexion, altered lower-limb biomechanics, and proximal hip muscle weakness may contribute to persistent symptoms. Although strengthening exercises and myofascial release have shown beneficial effects, limited evidence is available regarding the combined effect of hip strengthening and calf myofascial release in females with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Read more
The study will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial with a total sample of 34 females, aged 25-45 years, who meet the specified criteria for chronic plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive hip muscle strengthening exercises, while Group B will receive the same strengthening program combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions.
The primary outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Morning First-Step Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessments will be performed at baseline and after completion of the six-week intervention.
- Conditions
- Chronic Planter Fascitis
- Being tested
- Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises, Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release
- Keywords
- Hip muscle strengthening, myofascial release, chronic planter fasciitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hip muscles Strengthening ExercisesOther
hip abductor strengthening exercises three sessions per week for six weeks
Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial ReleaseOther
hip muscles strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles three sessions per week for six weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises | Experimental | Participants will receive hip abductor strengthening exercises three sessions per week for six weeks to improve pain and functional outcomes associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. Receives: Other: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises |
| Arm 2: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release | Active comparator | Participants will receive hip muscles strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles three sessions per week for six weeks to evaluate the additional effects of calf myofascial release on pain and functional outcomes associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. Receives: Other: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release |
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) will be used to assess the intensity of pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. It is an 11-point numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Foot Function Index (FFI)
The Foot Function Index (FFI) will be used to assess foot-related pain, disability, and activity limitation in females with chronic plantar fasciitis. The questionnaire evaluates the impact of foot symptoms on functional activities. Higher scores indicate greater pain and functional limitations.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Morning First-Step Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to assess pain experienced during the first steps taken in the morning after a period of rest. Participants will indicate their pain intensity on a 10-cm visual analog line, with one end representing no pain and the other representing the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater morning first-step pain.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Nov 2026
- Study start27 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Planter FascitisStudies 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fizza Masood, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07908602
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-165-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Hip Muscle Strengthening With and Without Myofascial Release of Calf Muscle on Pain and Disability in Females With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07908602
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-165-2026
- Conditions
- Chronic Planter Fascitis
- Keywords
- Hip muscle strengthening, myofascial release, chronic planter fasciitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 27 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Nov 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 aims to compare the effects of hip muscle strengthening with and without myofascial release of the calf muscle on pain and disability in females with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to limitations in walking, daily activities, and functional performance. Factors such as calf muscle tightness, restricted ankle dorsiflexion, altered lower-limb biomechanics, and proximal hip muscle weakness may contribute to persistent symptoms. Although strengthening exercises and myofascial release have shown beneficial effects, limited evidence is available regarding the combined effect of hip strengthening and calf myofascial release in females with chronic plantar fasciitis.
The study will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial with a total sample of 34 females, aged 25-45 years, who meet the specified criteria for chronic plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive hip muscle strengthening exercises, while Group B will receive the same strengthening program combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions.
The primary outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Morning First-Step Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessments will be performed at baseline and after completion of the six-week intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises | Experimental | Other: Hip muscles Strengthening ExercisesParticipants will receive hip abductor strengthening exercises three sessions per week for six weeks to improve pain and functional outcomes associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. |
| Arm 2: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release | Active comparator | Other: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial ReleaseParticipants will receive hip muscles strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles three sessions per week for six weeks to evaluate the additional effects of calf myofascial release on pain and functional outcomes associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Participants fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for plantar fasciitis. Age between 25-45 years. NPRS score between >3-6. History of chronic plantar heel pain for at least 3 consecutive months. Positive Windlass Test. Morning first-step pain intensity >5 cm on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Recent history of foot, ankle, or lower limb surgery. Corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis within the previous three months.
- Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting lower limb function. Pregnancy. Heel pain due to any other systemic inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hyperuricemia (uric acid disorders), or other causes of heel pain.
- Foot or ankle fracture within the previous six months. Participation in any structured physiotherapy program for plantar fasciitis during the previous month.
- Presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendon rupture, or other significant foot pathologies.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hip muscles Strengthening Exerciseship abductor strengthening exercises three sessions per week for six weeks | Other | Arm 1: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises |
| Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Releasehip muscles strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles three sessions per week for six weeks | Other | Arm 2: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess the intensity of pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. It is an 11-point numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Foot Function Index (FFI)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The Foot Function Index (FFI) will be used to assess foot-related pain, disability, and activity limitation in females with chronic plantar fasciitis. The questionnaire evaluates the impact of foot symptoms on functional activities. Higher scores indicate greater pain and functional limitations.
Morning First-Step Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to assess pain experienced during the first steps taken in the morning after a period of rest. Participants will indicate their pain intensity on a 10-cm visual analog line, with one end representing no pain and the other representing the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater morning first-step pain.
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 2 Nov 2026.
- Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Techniques versus Hip-strengthening Exercise along with Static Stretching in Patients with Plantar FasciitisLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Related trials for Chronic Planter Fascitis
Not yet recruitingPhase 4
Local Percutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Ultrasound Guided Steroids Injection in Management of Pain in Cases of Chronic Planter Fascitis, Randomised Double Blinded Study
Chronic Planter Fascitis
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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises and Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release in people with Chronic Planter Fascitis, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore 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 1 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 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?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks). 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?
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 2 Nov 2026.