Comparing Neural Mobilization and Traditional Physiotherapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

NCT07179666 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IRB-COHS-STD-137-Mar-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 12
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of neural mobilization targeting the posterior tibial nerve compared to traditional physiotherapy in cases diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a pilot study will be conducted on 12 patients who will have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly divided into either the neural mobilization group or the conventional physiotherapy group, and all will receive three weeks of structured treatment. Results will be evaluated using techniques that will measure plantar pressure with Algometry, Foot Function Index (FFI) scores, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Differences before and after treatment will be tested within the group using paired t-tests, and others will be examined between the groups with independent t-tests.

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Keywords

neural moblization; conventional treatment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Foot Function Index

  3 weeks

• Foot Health Status Questionnaire

  3 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Neural Mobilization Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Neural moblization group

Conventional Physical therapy treatment

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Conventional therapy group

Interventions

Neural moblization group OTHER

The intervention will involve neural mobilization of the tibial nerve, beginning with distal sliding through ankle dorsiflexion and foot eversion, followed by dorsiflexion of the toes. The movement will then be reversed into plantarflexion to allow proximal nerve excursion. In addition, a tensioner technique will be applied, in which participants will perform 45° hip flexion combined with ankle dorsiflexion and eversion, followed by knee extension, to place a controlled tensile load along the tibial nerve pathway.

Neural Mobilization Therapy

Conventional therapy group OTHER

The intervention will include manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization to reduce fascial tension and improve local circulation. Stretching exercises will be prescribed to target the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and gastrocnemius-soleus complex in order to enhance flexibility and reduce mechanical strain. In addition, ultrasound therapy will be utilized for its thermal and non-thermal effects to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.

Conventional Physical therapy treatment

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Participants will be selected within the age range of 19 to 40 years
• Meet the diagnostic criteria for plantar fasciitis, including symptoms of first-step pain in the morning and heel pain after long periods of standing, confirmed through clinical examination.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals will be omitted from the study if they have undergone foot or ankle or foot surgery during the prior 12 months
• The presence of severe osteoarthritis, diabetic foot ulcers, or neuropathy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gulf Medical University: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fasciitis, Plantar

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Fasciitis; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Foot Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 11, 2025
• First Posted: September 18, 2025
• Study Start: September 12, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 15, 2025
• Last Updated: September 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09