Video-guided vs physician-led exercise training for plantar fasciitis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this single-center, randomized non-inferiority study, adults with plantar fasciitis are assigned to either face-to-face exercise instruction by an orthopedic physician or a standardized video to guide the same exercises. The primary outcome is change in the Foot Function Index from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes include pain, knowledge about exercises, adherence, education time, video viewing behavior, need for additional treatment, and patient satisfaction. All participants receive standard information about heel pain management and a home exercise program.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 70 years
* Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
* Plantar heel pain lasting for at least 3 months
* Heel pain that is most prominent with the first steps in the morning or after rest
* Tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle
* Baseline heel pain score of 4 or higher on a 0-10 numerical rating scale
* Functional capacity to perform the prescribed exercises
* Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer to view the exercise video
* Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous foot or ankle surgery on the affected side
* History of foot fracture, foot tumor, advanced neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, or tarsal tunnel syndrome
* Corticosteroid injection, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, or other interventional treatment for plantar fasciitis within the last 6 months
* Inflammatory arthritis or systemic rheumatologic disease affecting the foot
* Severe knee or hip osteoarthritis limiting exercise performance
* Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation or completion of questionnaires
* Pregnancy
* Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol

Where it's running

• Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital
  Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
• Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital
  Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Güneş SARIKAYA — Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital
• Study coordinator: Güneş SARIKAYA, ortopedic surgeon
• Email: gunessarikaya05@hotmail.com
• Phone: 905436733113

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.