Effects of Low-Dye Taping Compared to Calcaneal Taping in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

NCT07544732 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FUI/FUCP/CTR/06.26/AreejMazhar
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, particularly during initial steps after rest. It negatively impacts gait, mobility, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions such as stretching, strengthening, electrotherapy, and taping techniques are commonly used for management. Among these, Low-Dye taping and calcaneal taping provide biomechanical support by reducing strain on the plantar fascia and improving foot posture; however, comparative evidence between the two is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Dye taping versus calcaneal taping in reducing pain and improving foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 36 participants will be randomly assigned to either intervention group and treated over a two-week period. Outcome measures will include pain (VAS), functional ability (FFI), ankle range of motion (goniometer), and gait analysis, assessed before and after intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v27, with statistical significance set at p \< 0.05.

Conditions

Plantar Fascia

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (8)

• Pain Intensity

  The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is used to measure pain. The tool comprises of a straight line, either horizontal or vertical, typically measuring 10 cm (or an acceptable length). It is marked with labels at each end that indicate the extreme values of the parameter being assessed, such as "no pain" and "worst possible pain" for evaluating pain intensity. The distance between the initial position and the mark made by the respondent is quantified and employed as a quantitative measure, usually falling within the range of 0 to 100. Higher 9 scores signify a higher level of intensity or severity.

  groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.

• Foot Functional Index

  The Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire is a commonly used outcome measure tool for evaluating foot function and discomfort in persons with diverse foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis. The assessment is composed of three subscales: pain, disability, and activity limitation. Each subscale includes several items that are assessed on a Likert scale. The Foot Function Index (FFI) quantifies the influence of foot-related issues on everyday tasks, including walking, standing, and engaging in leisure activities. Scoring interpretation entails adding together the scores of individual items inside each subscale to calculate subscale scores. Higher scores indicate more significant foot dysfunction and discomfort

  groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.

• Range of Motion of foot

  Goniometer will be used to measure Ranges of Motion (ROM). It generally comprises of two arms, one stationary and one adjustable, equipped with a protractor-like scale for the measurement of angles. The immobile arm is positioned in line with the bone closest to the joint, while the mobile arm is positioned in line with the bone farthest from the joint. By accurately aligning the goniometer and carefully studying the joint's motion, a precise measurement of the joint angle is acquired

  groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.

• Step Length

  Step length will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) through visual inspection and simple distance measurement. Unit of measurement is centimetres (cm)

  groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes

• Stride Length

  Stride length will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) through visual inspection and simple distance measurement.Unit of Measure is centimetres (cm)

  Baseline and 2 weeks

• Cadence

  Cadence will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) using stopwatch timing. Unit of Measure is steps per minute (steps/min)

  Baseline and 2 weeks

• Walking Speed

  Walking speed will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) by measuring time taken to cover a fixed distance.Unit of Measure is meters per second (m/s)

  Baseline and 2 weeks

• Gait Cycle Time

  Gait cycle time will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) with stopwatch timing. Unit of Measure is seconds (s)

  Baseline and 2 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Low Dye Taping

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

A taping technique applied around the foot'smediallongitudinal arch designed to reduce excessive pronation and support theplantarfascia Participants in the low dye taping group will receive taping by standard protocol 1\) Apply an anchor strip across the top of the foot near the toes. 2) Pull 3-4 strips from the outer foot under the arch to the inner side to lift thearch. 3) Optionally add a heel lock strip for rear foot control. 4) Secure everything with another anchor strip and remove after 3-5 days. Tape type : Rigid Zinc Oxide Tape Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) Purpose: Provides strong support to the arch and controls pronation

Procedure: Low Dye Taping

Calcaneal Taping

EXPERIMENTAL

A taping method focused on stabilizing the heel bycontrollingrear foot eversion to correct abnormal calcaneal alignment. Participants in the calcaneal taping group will receive taping by standard protocol 1\) Position the foot in slight inversion (heel tilted inward) while the patient is seatedorlyingdown. 11 2) Start the tape on the lateral side of the heel, wrap under the heel and pull upwardandmedially across the Achilles tendon. 3) Secure the tape on the medial ankle, maintaining the heel in inverted position. 4) Apply 2-3 overlapping strips for firmness, and reapply every 2-3 days as needed.(mulligan) Tape Type: Rigid zinc oxide tape (1.5 inches wide) Purpose: Provides strong support heel and correct excessive eversion

Procedure: Calcaneal Taping

Interventions

Low Dye Taping PROCEDURE

1. Taping through standard protocol 2. Conventional physical therapy 1. Calf and fascia stretch 2. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique: * Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area. * Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia. * Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle 3. Strengthening exercises

Low Dye Taping

Calcaneal Taping PROCEDURE

1. Taping through standard protocol 2. Conventional physical therapy 1. Calf and fascia stretch 2. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique: * Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area. * Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia. * Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle 3. Strengthening exercises

Calcaneal Taping

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 Years - 44 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Adults of 19 - 44 years old age.
• Both genders will be included
• Pain in plantar heel lasting more than three months
• Clinical diagnosis of unilateral PF in compliance with the American
• physical therapy association's (APTA) Orthopedic Section clinical practice
• guidelines
• Positive windlass test
• Negative tarsal tunnel tests
• Limited active and passive talocrural joint dorsiflexion range of motion
• Pain on the inner side of the heel is most noticeable with the first steps after
• rest and tends to worsen after standing or walking for a long time.
• Willing and capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-up
• examinations.
• Planter fascia tests i.e. windlass mechanism, hop test, stair climbing.
• Sedentary individuals (no exercise plan followed in last 3 months)

You may not qualify if:

• Previous surgical intervention for plantar fasciitis.
• Congenital abnormalities of foot.
• Lower extremities affected by systemic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
• diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
• The presence of additional foot disorders, such as stress fractures, Achilles
• tendinopathy, or nerve entrapment syndromes.
• Any contraindications to taping, such as skin sensitivity or allergy.
• Not willing or not capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-
• up examinations.
• Pregnant women, mental illness, immune suppressed patients, patients with
• peripheral vascular disease, thrombocytopenia patients, anti-coagulant therapy
• patients and post mastectomy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Foundation University Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Foundation University Islamabad

Islamabad, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Areej Mazhar, DPT

  Foundation University Islamabad

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Areej Mazhar, DPT

CONTACT

03185337558; areejmazhar76@gmail.com

Anam Rehman, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

+923355082299; anam.rehman@fui.edu.pk

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: April 7, 2026
• First Posted: April 22, 2026
• Study Start: April 16, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

PA (1)