Active Release Technique Versus Strain-Counter Strain in Improving Pain and Function in Plantar Fasciitis

NCT07078513 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: REC-01016 Asad Zaman
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) in treating plantar fasciitis. Forty participants will be divided into two groups receiving either ART or SCS over a four-week period. The study aims to identify the more effective manual therapy technique for reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Conditions

Plantar Fascitis

Keywords

Plantar fasciitis; Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• NPRS

  The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a 0 to 10 self-reported scale used to assess pain intensity, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain. It is a simple, reliable tool commonly used in clinical trials to measure pain levels before and after interventions.

  four weeks

• Foot Function Index (FFI)

  Functional mobility will be assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), a validated self-reported questionnaire designed to measure the impact of foot pathology on pain, disability, and activity limitation in daily life.

  Four weeks

• Goniometer

  a reliable and widely used clinical tool that measures joint angles in degrees. It helps quantify movement limitations and improvements in specific planes, such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation.

  Four weeks

Study Arms (2)

Active release Technique

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive Active Release Technique (ART), a manual therapy approach focused on relieving soft tissue restrictions. The therapist will apply targeted pressure to areas of adhesion while the patient actively moves the affected tissue through its full range of motion. Each session will include approximately 30 repetitions and will be conducted three times per week for four weeks. This technique aims to restore normal tissue mobility and reduce pain.

Other: Active release Technique

Strain counter strain tecnhnique

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive Strain-Counterstrain (SCS), a gentle manual therapy technique designed to reduce muscle tension and pain. The therapist will passively position the patient into a position of maximal comfort, targeting specific tender points. This position is held for approximately 90 seconds while maintaining light pressure, allowing the muscle and fascia to relax. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, aiming to restore tissue balance and reduce discomfort.

Other: Strain counter strain tecnhnique

Interventions

Active release Technique OTHER

Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on manual therapy that targets soft tissue restrictions by combining precise pressure with patient-assisted movement. It helps break down adhesions, improve mobility, and reduce pain by restoring normal tissue function.

Active release Technique

Strain counter strain tecnhnique OTHER

Strain-Counterstrain is a gentle, passive manual therapy that relieves muscle tension by positioning the body in a pain-free, comfortable posture. The therapist holds this position for about 90 seconds while applying light pressure to tender points, allowing the muscle and fascia to relax and reset.

Strain counter strain tecnhnique

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Patients age 25-45 years diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
• Chronic plantar fasciitis (symptoms lasting more than 3 months).
• Ability to participate in active movement for ART.

You may not qualify if:

• Recent lower limb surgery.
• Neurological disorders affecting gait or mobility.
• Acute inflammatory conditions of the foot.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Riphah international University Malakand Campus

Chakdara, KPK, 18800, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fasciitis, Plantar

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Fasciitis; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Foot Diseases

Study Officials

• Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2025
• First Posted: July 22, 2025
• Study Start: August 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 30, 2025
• Study Completion: January 16, 2026
• Last Updated: February 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)