Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Release in Plantar Fasciitis

NCT05050331 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: TUF/DR/MSPP/174
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Trigger Point Release in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted, wherein thirty participants were randomly assigned to two parallel groups. One group received MET, while the other received Trigger Point Release, with both groups performed self-stretching exercises as part of their home program. Outcome measures included pain intensity and foot function. Treatments were administered three times a week for a duration of four weeks.

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Keywords

Muscle Energy Technique; Trigger Point Release

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Foot Pain

  Numeric Pain Rating Scale served as the primary outcome measure, with decreasing values indicating improved patient condition and reduced pain intensity

  Four Weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Foot Function

  Four Weeks

Study Arms (2)

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

The MET protocol consisted of post-isometric relaxation applied to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, with 5 repetitions per set, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks

Procedure: Muscle Energy Technique; Procedure: Self-Stretching of Calf and Plantar Fascia

Trigger Point Release Group

EXPERIMENTAL

The gastrocnemius muscle was subjected to trigger point release therapy, 3 sessions per week, over a period of 4 weeks

Procedure: Trigger Point Release; Procedure: Self-Stretching of Calf and Plantar Fascia

Interventions

Muscle Energy Technique PROCEDURE

MET involves patient-generated muscle contractions 10-20% maximum voluntary contraction from a specific position and direction, resisted by the therapist to facilitate muscle relaxation and lengthening

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) Group

Trigger Point Release PROCEDURE

Trigger point release involved applying 90 seconds of sustained thumb pressure to the trigger point, repeated three times with 30-second relaxation intervals, followed by three caudal-to-cranial longitudinal strokes along the taut band.

Trigger Point Release Group

Self-Stretching of Calf and Plantar Fascia PROCEDURE

Participants performed a self-stretching program, comprising 5 repetitions of 20 seconds of stretching and 20 seconds of relaxation, twice daily

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) Group; Trigger Point Release Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Unilateral plantar heel pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities
• Age range: 25-45 years
• Pain exacerbation with initial morning ambulation (i.e., walking a few steps)
• Presence of at least one identifiable trigger point in the calf muscles

You may not qualify if:

• Bilateral heel pain
• History of tumors in the leg or foot
• Previous lower limb fractures
• Recent or unresolved lower limb injuries
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Ankle arthritis
• Surgery
• Vascular Disease

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

The University of Faisalabad

Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 38000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fasciitis, Plantar

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Fasciitis; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Foot Diseases

Study Officials

• Dr Sidra Majeed; PT, MSPP

  The University of Faisalabad

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 2, 2021
• First Posted: September 20, 2021
• Study Start: January 23, 2023
• Primary Completion: May 23, 2023
• Study Completion: May 24, 2023
• Last Updated: September 19, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)