Plantar FasciitisNCT07703111
Effects of Foot-Core Strengthening and Sensorimotor Re-training With Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Function, and Plantar Pressure in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.
A study testing Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy and Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy in people with Plantar Fasciitis, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of foot core strengthening and sensorimotor re-training, each combined with routine physical therapy, on pain, functional ability, and plantar pressure in patients with Plantar Fasciitis. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Plantar Fasciitis
- What is being tested?
- Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy and Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 28 Jul 2026to 20 Nov 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 35 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 35-60 Years Sharp and worsen pain with the first few steps out of bed in morning. Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis of at least three months duration -
Who cannot join
- History of ankle and foot surgery Diagnosis for Peripheral neuropathy, Tarsal tunnel syndrome Corticosteroid injection into heel within the last three months. Diagnosed neurological and rheumatological disease calcaneal fractures Pregnant Women-
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Lahore, Punjab Province
About this study
This study aims to compare the effects of foot core strengthening and sensorimotor re-training, each combined with routine physical therapy, on pain, functional ability, and plantar pressure in patients with Plantar Fasciitis.
Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving foot core strengthening with routine physical therapy and the other receiving sensorimotor re-training with routine physical therapy. The study will evaluate which intervention is more effective in reducing pain, improving function, and normalizing plantar pressure distribution.
Read the detailed description
Plantar Fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by heel pain, reduced functional capacity, and altered plantar pressure distribution. It is often associated with overuse, poor biomechanics, and weakness of intrinsic foot muscles.
Routine physical therapy management includes stretching exercises ( plantar fascia and calf stretching), strengthening, manual therapy, and physical modalities. However, recent rehabilitation approaches emphasize the importance of intrinsic muscle strengthening and sensorimotor control.
This study is designed to compare two active rehabilitation approaches combined with routine physical therapy:
Group A: Foot Core Strengthening + Routine Physical Therapy
Participants in this group will receive:
Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises ( short foot exercise, toe curls) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach aims to improve medial longitudinal arch support, enhance foot stability, and reduce mechanical stress on the plantar fascia.
Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training + Routine Physical Therapy
Participants in this group will receive:
Sensorimotor and proprioceptive training ( balance exercises, unstable surface training) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach focuses on improving neuromuscular control, proprioception, and dynamic stability of the foot and ankle.
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Being tested
- Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy, Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Plantar Fasciitis, Foot Core Strengthening, Sensorimotor Training, Plantar Pressure, Foot Function
- Medical subject headings
- Fasciitis, Plantar
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical TherapyOther
Participants will receive a structured foot core strengthening program targeting intrinsic foot muscles, including exercises such as short foot exercise, toe curls, toe spreading, and marble pickup. These exercises aim to improve medial longitudinal arch stability and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
In addition, routine physical therapy will be provided, including plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius-soleus stretching, manual therapy techniques, and appropriate physical modalities. Sessions will be conducted 3-5 times per week for a duration of 4-8 weeks, along with a prescribed home exercise program.
Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical TherapyOther
Participants will receive a structured sensorimotor re-training program focusing on proprioception, balance, and neuromuscular control. Exercises will include single-leg stance, balance training on stable and unstable surfaces, wobble board exercises, and gait training.
Routine physical therapy will also be provided, including plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius-soleus stretching, manual therapy techniques, and appropriate physical modalities. Sessions will be conducted 3-5 times per week for a duration of 4-8 weeks, along with a prescribed home exercise program.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive foot core strengthening exercises targeting intrinsic foot muscles along with routine physical therapy including stretching, manual therapy, and physical modalities for management of Plantar Fasciitis. Receives: Other: Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy |
| Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive sensorimotor and proprioceptive training along with routine physical therapy including stretching, manual therapy, and physical modalities for management of Plantar Fasciitis. Receives: Other: Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their heel pain during first steps in the morning and during activity. It is a reliable tool to measure pain severity in patients with Plantar Fasciitis.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Plantar Pressure Distribution
Plantar pressure will be measured using a pressure analysis system to evaluate changes in load distribution across different regions of the foot during standing and walking.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention
Foot Function
Functional ability will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI), which assesses pain, disability, and activity limitation related to foot conditions.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2026
- Study start28 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Nov 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 FasciitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe 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
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Nabeela Dawood, Study chair, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07703111
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBS/ERB/26/04/029
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Hamstra-Wright KL, Huxel Bliven KC, Bay RC, Aydemir B. Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis in Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Health. 2021 May-Jun;13(3):296-303. doi: 10.1177/1941738120970976. Epub 2021 Feb 3.
PubMed 33530860Kamonseki DH, Goncalves GA, Yi LC, Junior IL. Effect of stretching with and without muscle strengthening exercises for the foot and hip in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial. Man Ther. 2016 Jun;23:76-82. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Oct 30.
PubMed 26654252Scherger JE. Consider Muscle Strengthening for Plantar Fasciitis. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Oct 1;98(7):407. No abstract available.
PubMed 30252428Tahririan MA, Motififard M, Tahmasebi MN, Siavashi B. Plantar fasciitis. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Aug;17(8):799-804.
PubMed 23798950
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Foot-Core Strengthening and Sensorimotor Re-training With Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Function, and Plantar Pressure in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07703111
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UBS/ERB/26/04/029
- Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Keywords
- Plantar Fasciitis, Foot Core Strengthening, Sensorimotor Training, Plantar Pressure, Foot Function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 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.
This study aims to compare the effects of foot core strengthening and sensorimotor re-training, each combined with routine physical therapy, on pain, functional ability, and plantar pressure in patients with Plantar Fasciitis.
Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving foot core strengthening with routine physical therapy and the other receiving sensorimotor re-training with routine physical therapy. The study will evaluate which intervention is more effective in reducing pain, improving function, and normalizing plantar pressure distribution.
Detailed description
Plantar Fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by heel pain, reduced functional capacity, and altered plantar pressure distribution. It is often associated with overuse, poor biomechanics, and weakness of intrinsic foot muscles.
Routine physical therapy management includes stretching exercises ( plantar fascia and calf stretching), strengthening, manual therapy, and physical modalities. However, recent rehabilitation approaches emphasize the importance of intrinsic muscle strengthening and sensorimotor control.
This study is designed to compare two active rehabilitation approaches combined with routine physical therapy:
Group A: Foot Core Strengthening + Routine Physical Therapy
Participants in this group will receive:
Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises ( short foot exercise, toe curls) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach aims to improve medial longitudinal arch support, enhance foot stability, and reduce mechanical stress on the plantar fascia.
Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training + Routine Physical Therapy
Participants in this group will receive:
Sensorimotor and proprioceptive training ( balance exercises, unstable surface training) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach focuses on improving neuromuscular control, proprioception, and dynamic stability of the foot and ankle.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy | Experimental | Other: Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical TherapyParticipants in this group will receive foot core strengthening exercises targeting intrinsic foot muscles along with routine physical therapy including stretching, manual therapy, and physical modalities for management of Plantar Fasciitis. |
| Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy | Experimental | Other: Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical TherapyParticipants in this group will receive sensorimotor and proprioceptive training along with routine physical therapy including stretching, manual therapy, and physical modalities for management of Plantar Fasciitis. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age 35-60 Years Sharp and worsen pain with the first few steps out of bed in morning. Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis of at least three months duration -
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- History of ankle and foot surgery Diagnosis for Peripheral neuropathy, Tarsal tunnel syndrome Corticosteroid injection into heel within the last three months. Diagnosed neurological and rheumatological disease calcaneal fractures Pregnant Women-
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical TherapyParticipants will receive a structured foot core strengthening program targeting intrinsic foot muscles, including exercises such as short foot exercise, toe curls, toe spreading, and marble pickup. These exercises aim to improve medial longitudinal arch stability and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. In addition, routine physical therapy will be provided, including plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius-soleus stretching, manual therapy techniques, and appropriate physical modalities. Sessions will be conducted 3-5 times per week for a duration of 4-8 weeks, along with a prescribed home exercise program. | Other | Group A: Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy |
| Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical TherapyParticipants will receive a structured sensorimotor re-training program focusing on proprioception, balance, and neuromuscular control. Exercises will include single-leg stance, balance training on stable and unstable surfaces, wobble board exercises, and gait training. Routine physical therapy will also be provided, including plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius-soleus stretching, manual therapy techniques, and appropriate physical modalities. Sessions will be conducted 3-5 times per week for a duration of 4-8 weeks, along with a prescribed home exercise program. | Other | Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their heel pain during first steps in the morning and during activity. It is a reliable tool to measure pain severity in patients with Plantar Fasciitis.
2 secondary outcomes
Plantar Pressure Distribution
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention
Foot Function
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention
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 14 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33530860Hamstra-Wright KL, Huxel Bliven KC, Bay RC, Aydemir B. Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis in Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Health. 2021 May-Jun;13(3):296-303. doi: 10.1177/1941738120970976. Epub 2021 Feb 3.
- Background: PubMed 26654252Kamonseki DH, Goncalves GA, Yi LC, Junior IL. Effect of stretching with and without muscle strengthening exercises for the foot and hip in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial. Man Ther. 2016 Jun;23:76-82. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Oct 30.
- Background: PubMed 30252428Scherger JE. Consider Muscle Strengthening for Plantar Fasciitis. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Oct 1;98(7):407. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 23798950Tahririan MA, Motififard M, Tahmasebi MN, Siavashi B. Plantar fasciitis. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Aug;17(8):799-804.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Nabeela Dawood study chair
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Foot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy and Sensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy in people with Plantar Fasciitis, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences 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 1 inclusion and 1 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 14 Jul 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?
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 Muqaddas Muqadds (+92 306 5821079, mmuqadas614@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention). 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 NCT07703111, 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 14 Jul 2026.