Effects of foot rehabilitation and minimalist shoes on pain and function in adults with plantar fasciopathy
The Effects of Foot Rehabilitation And Minimalist Shoes (FRAMES) on Pain, Strength, and Function in Adults With Plantar Fasciopathy
This study tests if combining foot exercises with minimalist shoes can help adults with plantar fasciopathy feel less pain and move better compared to just doing the exercises alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06106958 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effects of an 8-week program that combines foot rehabilitation exercises with wearing minimalist shoes against a control group that only performs rehabilitation exercises. Participants will undergo a baseline assessment to evaluate their pain levels, self-reported function, and various measures of foot health and biomechanics. The study will assess improvements in pain, intrinsic foot muscle strength, balance, and gait biomechanics. The goal is to identify which characteristics of individuals with plantar fasciopathy contribute to successful outcomes from this combined intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-55 who experience first-step pain in the morning and have had heel pain for at least a month.
Not a fit: Patients with other current lower extremity injuries or previous experience with minimalist shoes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new approach to effectively reduce pain and improve function in patients suffering from plantar fasciopathy.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the combination of minimalist shoes and rehabilitation exercises, similar studies have shown positive outcomes with rehabilitation for plantar fasciopathy.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between ages of 18 - 55 years old * First-step pain in the morning over past week - Visual Analog Score between 30-70 mm * Heel pain for at least a month with an insidious onset Exclusion Criteria: * Other current lower extremity neuromusculoskeletal injury * Other lower extremity neuromusculoskeletal injuries other than the foot in the past 3 months * Previous history of foot/ankle fractures or surgeries * Current participation in formal rehab for plantar fasciopathy * Previous minimalist shoe experience
Where this trial is running
Charlottesville, Virginia
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Xu, MS — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Xu, MS
- Email: tnd9vf@virginia.edu
- Phone: 2152643222
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.