Plantar FascitisNCT07204054
Medial Longitudinal Arch Support and Plantar Fascia Stretch Taping in Plantar Fasciitis
A study testing Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tape and Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape in people with Plantar Fascitis, run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Rationale of this research is to evaluate the outcome of two widely used but biomechanically distinct techniques of Taping done for plantar fascia i.e. Fascia taping which supports the fascia, and Low dye taping which realigns with medial longitudinal arch. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fascitis
- What is being tested?
- Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tape and Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPakistan
- Study dates
- 30 Sep 2025to 20 May 2026
- 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 25 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants' full filling the criteria given below will be recruited in this study. Diagnosis based on clinical guidelines linked to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health of the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physiotherapy Association.
- Age 25-65 years
- Positive Windlass test
- Tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle
- Limited ankle dorsiflexion <16
- Acute or subacute stage unilateral plantar fasciitis
Who cannot join
- Individuals with one of the following disorder will be excluded from this study
- Fracture of ankle or foot
- Diabetes
- Neuropathy
- Cognitive impairments/ Psychological disorder
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Open wound.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan2 sites
Bahria Town Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 44000
Ramsha Tariq, MSPT(OMPT), +92 331 5251422, ramsha.tariq@riphah.edu.pk
Ayesha Sultan, DPT
IIMCT Railway General Hopsital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 44000
Ramsha Tariq, MSPT(OMPT), +92 331 5251422, ramsha.tariq@riphah.edu.pk
Ayesha Sultan, DPT
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Medial Longitudinal Arch Support and Plantar Fascia Stretch Taping Techniques in Plantar Fasciitis
Rationale of this research is to evaluate the outcome of two widely used but biomechanically distinct techniques of Taping done for plantar fascia i.e. Fascia taping which supports the fascia, and Low dye taping which realigns with medial longitudinal arch. The significance of this study is to identify which taping technique will improve pain, ankle ROM, foot function and arch flexibility which will help clinicians in identifying the most suitable and effective taping method for the patients
Read the detailed description
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain, leading to reduced mobility, altered gait, and impaired quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, most conventional treatments focus primarily on calf stretching, orthotic devices, or electrotherapy. Taping is a cost effective and powerful treatment technique, this study is being done to identify which taping technique will improve pain, ankle ROM, foot function and arch flexibility in patients with acute and subacute plantar fasciitis. It is a randomized control trial which will be conducted on 36 patient calculated using G* Power software. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control group after a baseline assessment using lottery ticket and opaque envelop. All participants in both groups were evaluated on 6 occasions baseline, post-intervention, post every treatment.
- Conditions
- Plantar Fascitis
- Being tested
- Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tape, Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape
- Keywords
- foot function, pain, ankle ROM, arch mobility
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tapeOther
Low dye Taping which is applied by patient lying supine on treatment table. No tension is applied due to the characteristics of the tape and it is described in the following steps; placement of a strip in the area of the metatarsal heads, in the dorsal area placement of a strap on the back, forming a circle with the front strap and in the plantar area; a figure of eight was made, starting from the side of the fifth metatarsal, surrounding the heel and ending at the starting point, the same operation was performed as in point but starting from the hallux. The last part is different, as a strip at the main point of pain, that is, at the insertion towards the medial edge of the foot Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus and towel curl exercise.
Fascia Stretch taping using KT tapeOther
Fascia Taping which is applied in which In the first step, after the metatarsophalangeal joints were dorsiflexed, the first strap was adhered firmly to the posterior heel at its proximal end. The other end of the strap was cut into four slices of equal width. Each slice was applied with a 50% stretch (50% tensile strain) and attached to the plantar forefoot. In the second step, another strap was applied following the same pattern and overlapped the first strap. In the third step, the last strap was applied with gentle compression across the bases of the four slices beneath the foot and wrapped around the rearfoot. Dashed arrows denote the direction of stretch Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching (5reps with 10 sec hold each stretch) of gastrocnemius and Soleus and toe curl exercise
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Medial Longitudinal arch support taping using Low dye Tape | Active comparator | Medial longitudinal arch support taping is applied using low-dye tape with no tension in the tape; placement of a strip in the area of the metatarsal heads, in the dorsal area placement of a strap on the back, forming a circle with the front strap and in the plantar area; a figure of eight was made, starting from the side of the fifth metatarsal, surrounding the heel and ending at the starting point, the same operation was performed as in point but starting from the hallux. The last part is different, as a strip at the main point of pain, that is, at the insertion towards the medial edge of the foot.
Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching (5reps with 10 sec hold each stretch) of gastrocnemius and Soleus, toe curl exercise all for a duration of 2 weeks for 2 sessions per week Receives: Other: Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tape |
| Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape | Experimental | Fascia Taping which is applied in which In the first step, after the metatarsophalangeal joints were dorsiflexed, the first strap was adhered firmly to the posterior heel at its proximal end. The other end of the strap was cut into four slices of equal width. Each slice was applied with a 50% stretch (50% tensile strain) and attached to the plantar forefoot. In the second step, another strap was applied following the same pattern and overlapped the first strap. In the third step, the last strap was applied with gentle compression across the bases of the four slices beneath the foot and wrapped around the rearfoot.
Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching (5reps with 10 sec hold each stretch) of gastrocnemius and Soleus and toe curl exercise for a period of twice a week session for 2 weeks Receives: Other: Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analogue Scale to assess pain
Visual analogue scale to determine the extent of patients pain. The pain VAS is a unidimensional measure of pain intensity, used to record patients' pain progression, or compare pain severity between patients with similar conditions. VAS has a straight horizontal line of fixed length, usually 100 mm. The ends are defined as the extreme limits of the parameter to be measured (symptom, pain, health) orientated from the left (worst) to the right (best).
Measured: 2 weeks
Foot Functional index
The FFI questionnaire consists of 23 self-reported items divided into 3 subcategories on the basis of patient values: pain, disability and activity limitation. The patient has to score each question on a scale from 0 (no pain or difficulty) to 10 (worst pain imaginable or so difficult it requires help), that best describes their foot over the past week. section (Pain: items 1-9; Disability: 10-18; Activity Limitation: 19-23).
Measured: 2 weeks
Ankle ROM via Goniometry
Using a goniometer to determine the effect on ankle ROM
Measured: 2 weeks
Arch Height Index and Arch Height flexibility using AHIMS
Arch Height Index AHI is the ratio calculated by dividing the height from the floor to the dorsum of the foot by the total foot length. Arch height flexilbility AHF is a change in arch height between sitting and standing positions.
AHI= Height from floor to dorsum of foot/ Total foot length AHF mm/kN =AH sitting - AH standing/0.4 × body weight
Measured: 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Oct 2025
- Study start30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion10 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Plantar FascitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe 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
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Ramsha Tariq, MSPT(OMPT), Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07204054
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/F24C08G30008
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 25 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 2 Oct 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Koh HLA, Lin WH, Kong PW. Comfort and Ground Reaction Forces in Flat-Footed Female Runners: Comparison of Low-Dye Taping versus Sham Taping. J Sports Sci Med. 2020 Aug 13;19(3):620-626. eCollection 2020 Sep.
PubMed 32874115Garcia-Gomariz C, Hernandez-Guillen D, Nieto-Gil P, Blasco-Garcia C, Alcahuz-Grinan M, Blasco JM. Effects of Kinesiotape versus Low-Dye Tape on Pain and Comfort Measures in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Life (Basel). 2024 Feb 12;14(2):249. doi: 10.3390/life14020249.
PubMed 38398758Van Tonder T, Allison GT, Hopper D, Grisbrook TL. Multidimensional impact of low-Dye taping on low-load hopping in individuals with and without plantar fasciitis. Phys Ther Sport. 2018 Jan;29:43-49. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.11.001. Epub 2017 Nov 8.
PubMed 29245027Podolsky R, Kalichman L. Taping for plantar fasciitis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015;28(1):1-6. doi: 10.3233/BMR-140485.
PubMed 24867905
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Oct 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Medial Longitudinal Arch Support and Plantar Fascia Stretch Taping Techniques in Plantar Fasciitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07204054
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/F24C08G30008
- Conditions
- Plantar Fascitis
- Keywords
- foot function, pain, ankle ROM, arch mobility
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 10 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Oct 2025 (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.
Rationale of this research is to evaluate the outcome of two widely used but biomechanically distinct techniques of Taping done for plantar fascia i.e. Fascia taping which supports the fascia, and Low dye taping which realigns with medial longitudinal arch. The significance of this study is to identify which taping technique will improve pain, ankle ROM, foot function and arch flexibility which will help clinicians in identifying the most suitable and effective taping method for the patients
Detailed description
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain, leading to reduced mobility, altered gait, and impaired quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, most conventional treatments focus primarily on calf stretching, orthotic devices, or electrotherapy. Taping is a cost effective and powerful treatment technique, this study is being done to identify which taping technique will improve pain, ankle ROM, foot function and arch flexibility in patients with acute and subacute plantar fasciitis. It is a randomized control trial which will be conducted on 36 patient calculated using G* Power software. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control group after a baseline assessment using lottery ticket and opaque envelop. All participants in both groups were evaluated on 6 occasions baseline, post-intervention, post every treatment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Medial Longitudinal arch support taping using Low dye Tape | Active comparator | Other: Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tapeMedial longitudinal arch support taping is applied using low-dye tape with no tension in the tape; placement of a strip in the area of the metatarsal heads, in the dorsal area placement of a strap on the back, forming a circle with the front strap and in the plantar area; a figure of eight was made, starting from the side of the fifth metatarsal, surrounding the heel and ending at the starting point, the same operation was performed as in point but starting from the hallux. The last part is different, as a strip at the main point of pain, that is, at the insertion towards the medial edge of the foot. Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching (5reps with 10 sec hold each stretch) of gastrocnemius and Soleus, toe curl exercise all for a duration of 2 weeks for 2 sessions per week |
| Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape | Experimental | Other: Fascia Stretch taping using KT tapeFascia Taping which is applied in which In the first step, after the metatarsophalangeal joints were dorsiflexed, the first strap was adhered firmly to the posterior heel at its proximal end. The other end of the strap was cut into four slices of equal width. Each slice was applied with a 50% stretch (50% tensile strain) and attached to the plantar forefoot. In the second step, another strap was applied following the same pattern and overlapped the first strap. In the third step, the last strap was applied with gentle compression across the bases of the four slices beneath the foot and wrapped around the rearfoot. Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching (5reps with 10 sec hold each stretch) of gastrocnemius and Soleus and toe curl exercise for a period of twice a week session for 2 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Participants' full filling the criteria given below will be recruited in this study. Diagnosis based on clinical guidelines linked to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health of the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physiotherapy Association.
- Age 25-65 years
- Positive Windlass test
- Tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle
- Limited ankle dorsiflexion <16
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Individuals with one of the following disorder will be excluded from this study
- Fracture of ankle or foot
- Diabetes
- Neuropathy
- Cognitive impairments/ Psychological disorder
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tapeLow dye Taping which is applied by patient lying supine on treatment table. No tension is applied due to the characteristics of the tape and it is described in the following steps; placement of a strip in the area of the metatarsal heads, in the dorsal area placement of a strap on the back, forming a circle with the front strap and in the plantar area; a figure of eight was made, starting from the side of the fifth metatarsal, surrounding the heel and ending at the starting point, the same operation was performed as in point but starting from the hallux. The last part is different, as a strip at the main point of pain, that is, at the insertion towards the medial edge of the foot Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus and towel curl exercise. | Other | Medial Longitudinal arch support taping using Low dye Tape |
| Fascia Stretch taping using KT tapeFascia Taping which is applied in which In the first step, after the metatarsophalangeal joints were dorsiflexed, the first strap was adhered firmly to the posterior heel at its proximal end. The other end of the strap was cut into four slices of equal width. Each slice was applied with a 50% stretch (50% tensile strain) and attached to the plantar forefoot. In the second step, another strap was applied following the same pattern and overlapped the first strap. In the third step, the last strap was applied with gentle compression across the bases of the four slices beneath the foot and wrapped around the rearfoot. Dashed arrows denote the direction of stretch Ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. Ultrasound will be applied for duration of 7 minutes at the plantar aspect of foot with 1.5 w/cm2 output and continuous mode of frequency of 1MHz. Stretching (5reps with 10 sec hold each stretch) of gastrocnemius and Soleus and toe curl exercise | Other | Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape |
Primary outcome
Visual Analogue Scale to assess pain
Time frame: 2 weeks
Visual analogue scale to determine the extent of patients pain. The pain VAS is a unidimensional measure of pain intensity, used to record patients' pain progression, or compare pain severity between patients with similar conditions. VAS has a straight horizontal line of fixed length, usually 100 mm. The ends are defined as the extreme limits of the parameter to be measured (symptom, pain, health) orientated from the left (worst) to the right (best).
Foot Functional index
Time frame: 2 weeks
The FFI questionnaire consists of 23 self-reported items divided into 3 subcategories on the basis of patient values: pain, disability and activity limitation. The patient has to score each question on a scale from 0 (no pain or difficulty) to 10 (worst pain imaginable or so difficult it requires help), that best describes their foot over the past week. section (Pain: items 1-9; Disability: 10-18; Activity Limitation: 19-23).
Ankle ROM via Goniometry
Time frame: 2 weeks
Using a goniometer to determine the effect on ankle ROM
Arch Height Index and Arch Height flexibility using AHIMS
Time frame: 2 weeks
Arch Height Index AHI is the ratio calculated by dividing the height from the floor to the dorsum of the foot by the total foot length. Arch height flexilbility AHF is a change in arch height between sitting and standing positions. AHI= Height from floor to dorsum of foot/ Total foot length AHF mm/kN =AH sitting - AH standing/0.4 × body weight
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 2 Oct 2025.
- Background: PubMed 32874115Koh HLA, Lin WH, Kong PW. Comfort and Ground Reaction Forces in Flat-Footed Female Runners: Comparison of Low-Dye Taping versus Sham Taping. J Sports Sci Med. 2020 Aug 13;19(3):620-626. eCollection 2020 Sep.
- Background: PubMed 38398758Garcia-Gomariz C, Hernandez-Guillen D, Nieto-Gil P, Blasco-Garcia C, Alcahuz-Grinan M, Blasco JM. Effects of Kinesiotape versus Low-Dye Tape on Pain and Comfort Measures in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Life (Basel). 2024 Feb 12;14(2):249. doi: 10.3390/life14020249.
- Background: PubMed 29245027Van Tonder T, Allison GT, Hopper D, Grisbrook TL. Multidimensional impact of low-Dye taping on low-load hopping in individuals with and without plantar fasciitis. Phys Ther Sport. 2018 Jan;29:43-49. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.11.001. Epub 2017 Nov 8.
- Background: PubMed 24867905Podolsky R, Kalichman L. Taping for plantar fasciitis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015;28(1):1-6. doi: 10.3233/BMR-140485.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Plantar Fascitis
Not yet recruiting
Efficacy of TECAR Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Active, not recruiting
Active Release Technique vs. Dynamic Soft Tissue Mobilization for Plantar Pain
Plantar Fascitis
Not yet recruiting
Hip Muscle Strengthening and Calf Myofascial Release in Females With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic Planter Fascitis
Recruiting
F-18 Sodium Fluoride PET/CT-Guided Pain Palliation in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Comparative Study of ¹⁷⁷Lutetium-Corticosteroid-Local Anaesthetic Injection vs Corticosteroid-Local Anaesthetic Injection
Plantar Fascitis, Chronic Heel Pain
Not yet recruiting
Radial vs Focused Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic
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.
Ramsha Tariq, MSPT(OMPT) principal investigator
Riphah International University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Medial longitudinal arch support taping using low dye tape and Fascia Stretch taping using KT tape in people with Plantar Fascitis, run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.
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 6 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 2 Oct 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Pakistan. 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. 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 Imran Amjad, Phd (+92 3324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Visual Analogue Scale to assess pain (time frame: 2 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07204054, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 2 Oct 2025.