Deep transverse friction massage versus instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for pregnancy-related plantar fasciitis
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.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07576192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test compares deep transverse friction massage and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to see which better reduces heel pain and improves walking for pregnant women with plantar fasciitis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07576192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant, multiparous women in the second trimester (12–34 weeks) with clinician-confirmed plantar fasciitis and moderate pain (NPRS 3–7) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent ankle or foot fracture or surgery, neurologic deficits, high-risk pregnancy, recent steroid injections, prior manual therapy to the foot, or active dermatologic foot disease are excluded and may not benefit from these interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial in Lahore will enroll 52 pregnant women with clinician-diagnosed plantar fasciitis and randomly assign them to two equal groups. Both groups receive the same baseline care while one group receives deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) and the other receives instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTMT). Outcomes include pain measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, disability by the Foot Function Index, and functional capacity by the 6-Minute Walk Test, with analyses done in SPSS. Participants are second-trimester (12–34 weeks), multiparous, and exclusions include recent foot/ankle fracture or surgery, neurologic deficits, recent injections, dermatologic foot conditions, or high-risk pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better manual technique could reduce heel pain and improve walking ability and overall foot function for pregnant women with plantar fasciitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials of instrument-assisted mobilization and friction massage for plantar fasciitis have shown mixed but sometimes promising results, so this approach builds on limited existing evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant females Second trimester 12th to 34th week * Multiparous * Plantar fasciitis diagnoses with Windlass test * NPRS pain level 3 to 7 Exclusion Criteria: * 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
Where it's running
-
Riphah medical center
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: imran amjad
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.