Cognitive training to reduce heel pain and improve balance and foot function

Effect of Cognitive Training on Pain , Foot Function, and Balance in Patients With Planter Fasciitis : A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will test whether adding cognitive (dual-task) training to standard stretching and strengthening helps adults with plantar fasciitis have less heel pain and better balance and foot function.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Beni-Suef University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT07571122 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will compare a cognitive training program combined with stretching and strengthening to a conventional stretching and strengthening program in adults with plantar fasciitis. Participants aged 18–60 with at least four weeks of heel pain will be randomly assigned to the cognitive-plus-exercise group or the exercise-only control group. Outcomes include pain intensity, foot-related functional disability, and static balance measured at baseline and after the intervention. The cognitive program integrates attention-demanding and dual-task exercises with functional movements to target sensorimotor and neuromuscular control while the control program focuses on conventional plantar fascia and lower-limb stretching and strengthening.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–60 years with a physician- or physiotherapist-diagnosed plantar fasciitis, at least four weeks of heel pain, ability to stand and perform basic balance tests, and not currently enrolled in structured physical therapy or cognitive training.

Not a fit: People with prior lower-limb surgery or recent fractures, neurological disorders affecting balance, systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions, severe foot deformities, recent corticosteroid injection to the heel, current participation in other rehabilitation programs, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding cognitive training could reduce heel pain and improve balance and foot function more than exercise alone.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited direct evidence in plantar fasciitis, though small trials of cognitive or dual-task training in other musculoskeletal and balance-impaired populations have shown modest improvements in postural control and function.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 60 years. Clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by a physician or physiotherapist. Experiencing heel pain for at least 4 weeks. Ability to stand and perform basic functional and balance tests. Willingness to participate and provide informed consent. Not currently receiving other structured physical therapy or cognitive training programs during the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of lower limb surgery or fractures affecting the foot or ankle. Presence of neurological disorders affecting balance or motor control (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease).

Systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the lower limb or foot. Recent corticosteroid injection in the heel region within the last 3 months. Current participation in other structured rehabilitation or exercise programs. Pregnancy (if applicable due to balance and biomechanical changes). Inability to understand or follow instructions related to the intervention.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

• Outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Suef University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sahar M Abdelmutilibe, PHD — Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Suef University, Cairo, Egypt
• Study coordinator: Sahar M Abdelmutilibe, PHD

Conditions Planter Fasciitis; Plantar Fasciitis; cognitive training; Heel Pain; stretching exercises; strengthIng exercises