Heel SpurMFR-TapingNCT07588776
Effect of Myofascial Release With and Without Taping in Patient With Heel Spur:
A study testing Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping and Myofascial Release Alone in people with Heel Spur and Planter Fasciitis, run by Green International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy used alone versus myofascial release combined with clinical taping for individuals with heel spurs. The trial aims to evaluate improvements in pain, foot function, and overall disability. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Heel Spur, Planter Fasciitis
- What is being tested?
- Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping and Myofascial Release Alone
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 6 Apr 2026to 6 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 30 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 30-40 years
- Both males and females
- Clinically or radiographically confirmed heel spur
- Pain intensity ≥ 3 on Visual Analog Scale
- Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks
- Able to attend treatment sessions 3 times per week
- Able to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Previous foot or heel surgery
- Current physiotherapy treatment for heel pain
- Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, radiculopathy)
- Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
- Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the foot
- Open wounds, skin infection, or allergy to tape
Show all 9Show fewer
- Corticosteroid injection in the last 3 months
- Pregnancy
- Any medical condition preventing safe participation
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Myofascial Release With and Without Taping in Patient With Heel Spur: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy used alone versus myofascial release combined with clinical taping for individuals with heel spurs. The trial aims to evaluate improvements in pain, foot function, and overall disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specified duration. The primary outcome is pain reduction, while secondary outcomes include improved foot function and reduced disability. The hypothesis is that the combination of myofascial release and taping will result in significantly greater clinical improvements compared to myofascial release alone.
Read the detailed description
Heel spur is a common musculoskeletal condition often associated with chronic plantar heel pain and functional limitations. This study will evaluate the added value of clinical taping when used in conjunction with Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. Combining these approaches may offer a complementary effect by addressing both the soft tissue restrictions through manual therapy and providing mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback via taping. The trial uses a randomized controlled design to compare two intervention groups. Participants diagnosed with heel spurs will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group. The experimental group will receive standardized Myofascial Release sessions focusing on the plantar fascia and posterior chain musculature, followed by the application of therapeutic taping. The comparison group will receive the Myofascial Release protocol alone. Both interventions will be provided for a set duration, with sessions occurring twice per week. The study aims to investigate whether the addition of taping results in greater improvements in pain intensity, foot function, and overall disability. Outcome measures, including pain scales and functional assessment tools, will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the treatment period. The trial will be carried out at clinics in Lahore to ensure standardized procedures and consistent delivery across sessions.
- Conditions
- Heel Spur, Planter Fasciitis
- Being tested
- Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping, Myofascial Release Alone
- Keywords
- Myofascial Realease, Kinesiology Taping, Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy, Foot Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Heel Spur
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myofascial Release with Clinical TapingOther
Also called Group A Intervention
Participants will receive a 45-minute intervention session. The integrated components consist of manual myofascial release techniques followed by the application of clinical taping to the affected foot.
Myofascial Release AloneOther
Also called Group B Intervention
Participants will receive the same 30 minutes of specialized myofascial release (MFR) manual therapy targeting the plantar fascia and calf musculature. No clinical taping will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to ensure a consistent treatment frequency with the experimental group.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive a combination of myofascial release therapy and clinical taping. Myofascial release will be applied to the plantar fascia and the posterior chain muscles. Following the manual therapy, clinical taping (such as Kinesiology tape or rigid tape, depending on your specific protocol) will be applied to the affected foot to provide mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly. Receives: Other: Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping |
| Myofascial Release Alone | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive the standardized myofascial release protocol only. The therapy will target the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues to reduce restrictions and pain. No clinical taping or additional manual interventions will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to match the frequency of the experimental group Receives: Other: Myofascial Release Alone |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants mark their pain level on a 100mm line ranging from "no pain" (0) to "worst imaginable pain" (100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Foot Function
The FFI will be used to assess changes in foot related functional limitations. The FFI evaluates pain, disability, and activity restriction related to foot conditions. Scores range 0 to 100, with high scores indicating greater impairment. This outcome will determine the improvement in functional ability following 4 weeks of Myofascial Release with or without taping.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Disability level
The Disability subscale of the Foot Function index will measure the degree to which heel pain affects daily activities, including walking, standing, and mobility tasks. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values reflecting greater disability. This outcome will evaluate the reduction in functional disability after the intervention period.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 May 2026
- Study start6 Apr 2026
- Primary completion29 Apr 2026
- Study completion6 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Heel SpurStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized, parallel-group design in which participants diagnosed with heel spur are assigned into one of two intervention arms. Participants will be randomly allocated to either: (1) Myofascial Release combined with taping, or (2) Myofascial Release alone. Both group will receive the same standardized Myofascial Release protocol, while only the experimental group will receive additional taping after each therapy session. The outcome assessor will be blinded to group assignment to minimize measurement bias. The interventions will be delivered over a 4 weeks period, and outcomes will be compared between groups to evaluate the added effect of taping when used alongside Myofascial Release..
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Green International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sehrish Shahzad, Green International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07588776
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GIU/REC/26-27
- Acronym
- MFR-Taping
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 9 May 2026
- Last updated
- 18 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Myofascial Release With and Without Taping in Patient With Heel Spur: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07588776
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MFR-Taping / GIU/REC/26-27
- Conditions
- Heel Spur, Planter Fasciitis
- Keywords
- Myofascial Realease, Kinesiology Taping, Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy, Foot Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Green International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 May 2026 (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.
The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy used alone versus myofascial release combined with clinical taping for individuals with heel spurs. The trial aims to evaluate improvements in pain, foot function, and overall disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specified duration. The primary outcome is pain reduction, while secondary outcomes include improved foot function and reduced disability. The hypothesis is that the combination of myofascial release and taping will result in significantly greater clinical improvements compared to myofascial release alone.
Detailed description
Heel spur is a common musculoskeletal condition often associated with chronic plantar heel pain and functional limitations. This study will evaluate the added value of clinical taping when used in conjunction with Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. Combining these approaches may offer a complementary effect by addressing both the soft tissue restrictions through manual therapy and providing mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback via taping. The trial uses a randomized controlled design to compare two intervention groups. Participants diagnosed with heel spurs will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group. The experimental group will receive standardized Myofascial Release sessions focusing on the plantar fascia and posterior chain musculature, followed by the application of therapeutic taping. The comparison group will receive the Myofascial Release protocol alone. Both interventions will be provided for a set duration, with sessions occurring twice per week. The study aims to investigate whether the addition of taping results in greater improvements in pain intensity, foot function, and overall disability. Outcome measures, including pain scales and functional assessment tools, will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the treatment period. The trial will be carried out at clinics in Lahore to ensure standardized procedures and consistent delivery across sessions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized, parallel-group design in which participants diagnosed with heel spur are assigned into one of two intervention arms. Participants will be randomly allocated to either: (1) Myofascial Release combined with taping, or (2) Myofascial Release alone. Both group will receive the same standardized Myofascial Release protocol, while only the experimental group will receive additional taping after each therapy session. The outcome assessor will be blinded to group assignment to minimize measurement bias. The interventions will be delivered over a 4 weeks period, and outcomes will be compared between groups to evaluate the added effect of taping when used alongside Myofascial Release..
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping | Experimental | Other: Myofascial Release with Clinical TapingParticipants in this arm will receive a combination of myofascial release therapy and clinical taping. Myofascial release will be applied to the plantar fascia and the posterior chain muscles. Following the manual therapy, clinical taping (such as Kinesiology tape or rigid tape, depending on your specific protocol) will be applied to the affected foot to provide mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly. |
| Myofascial Release Alone | Active comparator | Other: Myofascial Release AloneParticipants in this arm will receive the standardized myofascial release protocol only. The therapy will target the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues to reduce restrictions and pain. No clinical taping or additional manual interventions will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to match the frequency of the experimental group |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Age 30-40 years
- Both males and females
- Clinically or radiographically confirmed heel spur
- Pain intensity ≥ 3 on Visual Analog Scale
- Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Previous foot or heel surgery
- Current physiotherapy treatment for heel pain
- Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, radiculopathy)
- Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
- Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the foot
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release with Clinical TapingAlso: Group A InterventionParticipants will receive a 45-minute intervention session. The integrated components consist of manual myofascial release techniques followed by the application of clinical taping to the affected foot. | Other | Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping |
| Myofascial Release AloneAlso: Group B InterventionParticipants will receive the same 30 minutes of specialized myofascial release (MFR) manual therapy targeting the plantar fascia and calf musculature. No clinical taping will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to ensure a consistent treatment frequency with the experimental group. | Other | Myofascial Release Alone |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants mark their pain level on a 100mm line ranging from "no pain" (0) to "worst imaginable pain" (100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
2 secondary outcomes
Foot Function
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Disability level
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping and Myofascial Release Alone in people with Heel Spur and Planter Fasciitis, run by Green International University at 1 site 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 7 inclusion and 9 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 18 May 2026.