Plantar FasciitisTECAR-PFNCT07919743
Efficacy of TECAR Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis
A study testing Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy and Standardized Exercise Program in people with Plantar Fasciitis, run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy combined with an exercise program in patients with plantar fasciitis. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fasciitis
- What is being tested?
- Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy and Standardized Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2026to 30 Aug 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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
- Presence of tenderness over the medial calcaneal tubercle and/or morning first-step pain
- Symptom duration of at least 3 months
- Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- Plantar fascia thickness ≥4.0 mm at the medial calcaneal insertion, measured by ultrasonography
- Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent
Who cannot join
- History of injection therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or surgery for plantar fasciitis within the previous 3 months
- Presence of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases
- Diabetic neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy
- Other conditions that may cause heel pain (e.g., stress fracture, infection, or tumor)
- Pregnancy
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
- Active infection or open wound at the treatment site
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Yenimahalle, 06370
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy combined with an exercise program in patients with plantar fasciitis. The effects of active TECAR therapy will be compared with sham TECAR therapy, both combined with the same exercise program, in terms of pain intensity, functional status, and ultrasonographic plantar fascia thickness.
TECAR therapy is a non-invasive physical therapy modality used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Although it is increasingly used in clinical practice, evidence from sham-controlled randomized trials in patients with plantar fasciitis remains limited.
This study aims to determine whether active TECAR therapy provides additional benefits over sham treatment when combined with exercise. The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of TECAR therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis.
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Being tested
- Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy, Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy, Standardized Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Plantar Fasciitis, Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR), Physical Therapy, Heel Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Fasciitis, Plantar
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapyDevice
Active TECAR therapy will be administered using the BTL TECAR Therapy device for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). Each session will consist of 5 minutes of capacitive mode followed by 10 minutes of resistive mode. Treatment will be applied along the plantar fascia of the symptomatic foot, focusing on the medial calcaneal insertion, using conductive cream and continuous probe movement. The intensity will be adjusted to produce a comfortable, mild thermal sensation without pain.
Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) TherapyDevice
Sham TECAR therapy will be administered using the same device, probe, and application procedure as the active treatment for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). The device will not deliver any energy during sham treatment. The application will otherwise be identical to the active treatment procedure.
Standardized Exercise ProgramOther
All participants will receive a standardized exercise program consisting of plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching, and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening (short-foot exercises). Exercises will be performed three times daily. Stretching exercises will consist of 10 repetitions held for 10-15 seconds, while strengthening exercises will consist of 10-15 repetitions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active TECAR Therapy + Exercise | Active comparator | Participants will receive active TECAR therapy for 15 minutes per session (5 minutes in capacitive mode and 10 minutes in resistive mode), 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions), using the BTL TECAR Therapy device. All participants will also perform a standardized exercise program consisting of plantar fascia and calf stretching and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises. Receives: Device: Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy; Other: Standardized Exercise Program |
| Sham Comparator - Sham TECAR Therapy + Exercise | Sham comparator | Participants will receive sham TECAR therapy using the same device and application procedure without therapeutic energy delivery, for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). All participants will perform the same standardized exercise program as the active treatment group. Receives: Device: Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy; Other: Standardized Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Morning First-Step Pain (VAS)
Morning first-step pain will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Changes in pain intensity will be evaluated from baseline to post-treatment.
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Secondary outcomes (6)
General Pain Intensity (VAS)
General pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Pain During Activity (VAS)
Pain during activity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Foot Function Index (FFI)
Foot-related pain, disability, and activity limitation will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater impairment.
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Pressure pain threshold will be measured using a pressure algometer at the most painful region of the plantar heel. Results will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating greater pressure pain tolerance.
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Plantar Fascia Thickness
Plantar fascia thickness will be measured by ultrasonography at the calcaneal insertion and recorded in millimeters (mm).
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ-5D)
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Changes in health status will be evaluated using the EQ-5D index score.
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Nov 2026
- Study start1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Aug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Plantar FasciitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara Etlik City HospitalThe 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
- This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gizem Suna Tuncer, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07919743
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AESH-EK-GST-2026-04
- Acronym
- TECAR-PF
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Nov 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07919743
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TECAR-PF / AESH-EK-GST-2026-04
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Keywords
- Plantar Fasciitis, Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR), Physical Therapy, Heel Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City HospitalOther government
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 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 randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy combined with an exercise program in patients with plantar fasciitis. The effects of active TECAR therapy will be compared with sham TECAR therapy, both combined with the same exercise program, in terms of pain intensity, functional status, and ultrasonographic plantar fascia thickness.
TECAR therapy is a non-invasive physical therapy modality used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Although it is increasingly used in clinical practice, evidence from sham-controlled randomized trials in patients with plantar fasciitis remains limited.
This study aims to determine whether active TECAR therapy provides additional benefits over sham treatment when combined with exercise. The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of TECAR therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active TECAR Therapy + Exercise | Active comparator | Device: Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy, Other: Standardized Exercise ProgramParticipants will receive active TECAR therapy for 15 minutes per session (5 minutes in capacitive mode and 10 minutes in resistive mode), 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions), using the BTL TECAR Therapy device. All participants will also perform a standardized exercise program consisting of plantar fascia and calf stretching and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises. |
| Sham Comparator - Sham TECAR Therapy + Exercise | Sham comparator | Device: Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy, Other: Standardized Exercise ProgramParticipants will receive sham TECAR therapy using the same device and application procedure without therapeutic energy delivery, for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). All participants will perform the same standardized exercise program as the active treatment group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
- Presence of tenderness over the medial calcaneal tubercle and/or morning first-step pain
- Symptom duration of at least 3 months
- Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of injection therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or surgery for plantar fasciitis within the previous 3 months
- Presence of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases
- Diabetic neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy
- Other conditions that may cause heel pain (e.g., stress fracture, infection, or tumor)
- Pregnancy
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapyActive TECAR therapy will be administered using the BTL TECAR Therapy device for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). Each session will consist of 5 minutes of capacitive mode followed by 10 minutes of resistive mode. Treatment will be applied along the plantar fascia of the symptomatic foot, focusing on the medial calcaneal insertion, using conductive cream and continuous probe movement. The intensity will be adjusted to produce a comfortable, mild thermal sensation without pain. | Device | Active TECAR Therapy + Exercise |
| Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) TherapySham TECAR therapy will be administered using the same device, probe, and application procedure as the active treatment for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). The device will not deliver any energy during sham treatment. The application will otherwise be identical to the active treatment procedure. | Device | Sham Comparator - Sham TECAR Therapy + Exercise |
| Standardized Exercise ProgramAll participants will receive a standardized exercise program consisting of plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching, and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening (short-foot exercises). Exercises will be performed three times daily. Stretching exercises will consist of 10 repetitions held for 10-15 seconds, while strengthening exercises will consist of 10-15 repetitions. | Other | Active TECAR Therapy + Exercise, Sham Comparator - Sham TECAR Therapy + Exercise |
Primary outcome
Morning First-Step Pain (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Morning first-step pain will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Changes in pain intensity will be evaluated from baseline to post-treatment.
6 secondary outcomes
General Pain Intensity (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Pain During Activity (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Foot Function Index (FFI)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Plantar Fascia Thickness
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ-5D)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.
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 5 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy and Standardized Exercise Program in people with Plantar Fasciitis, run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital 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 7 inclusion and 7 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 5 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 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 Gizem Suna Tuncer, MD, Specialist Physician (05347953185, sunagizem05@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Morning First-Step Pain (VAS) (time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment), 2 weeks (end of treatment), and 6 weeks after treatment completion.). 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 5 Nov 2026.