Cognitive Training for Pain , Balance and Foot Function in Plantar Fasciitis

NCT07571122 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FPTBSURE/0112/15426
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of cognitive training exercises versus stretching and strengthening exercises on pain, functional dilatability, and static balance. Participants will be assigned to two groups: a cognitive training group or a stretching and strengthening exercise group. The cognitive training group will perform exercises targeting cognitive and neuromuscular control plus stretching and strengthening exercise , while the control group will perform stretching and strengthing exercises only. Outcome measures will include pain intensity, foot functional disability , and static balance. The results of this study will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of cognitive training with stretching and strengthing exercises compared to stretching and strengthIng only exercises in improving musculoskeletal function and balance.

Conditions

Planter Fasciitis

Keywords

Plantar Fasciitis; cognitive training; Heel Pain; stretching exercises; strengthIng exercises

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Pain by VAS

  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a 10 cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will be asked to rate their current level of heel pain.

  at baseline and post treatment (4 weeks)

• functional disability

  Functional disability will be assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), which evaluates pain, disability, and activity limitation in individuals with foot disorders. Higher scores indicate greater disability.

  at baseline and post treatment (4 weeks)

• static balance

  Static balance will be assessed using a standardized balance test (e.g., single-leg stance test). Participants will be evaluated based on their ability to maintain a stable posture for a specified duration under controlled conditions.

  at baseline and post treatment ( 4 weeks)

Study Arms (2)

Cognitive Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive a structured cognitive training program integrated with functional movement tasks. The training will focus on improving attention, motor control, and sensorimotor integration through dual-task and task-oriented exercises designed to enhance postural control and functional stability. Sessions will be conducted over the intervention period with progressive difficulty based on participant performance.

Behavioral: cognitive training; Behavioral: stretching and strengthing exercises

stretching and strengthing exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive a conventional stretching and strengthing exercise program targeting the plantar fascia and related lower limb muscles. The exercises will focus on improving flexibility and reducing tissue tightness. Stretching will be performed in a standardized manner over the intervention period.

Behavioral: stretching and strengthing exercises

Interventions

cognitive training BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive a structured cognitive training program incorporating dual-task and task-oriented exercises. The intervention focuses on enhancing attention, motor planning, and sensorimotor integration during functional activities. Exercises are progressively advanced based on participant performance to improve postural control and functional stability.

Cognitive Training Group

stretching and strengthing exercises BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform a standardized stretching and strengthing program targeting the plantar fascia and associated lower limb muscles. The intervention consists of static stretching exercises aimed at improving tissue flexibility, reducing muscle tightness, and supporting pain reduction. Exercises will be performed in a controlled and consistent manner throughout the study period.

Cognitive Training Group; stretching and strengthing exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 to 60 years. Clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by a physician or physiotherapist. Experiencing heel pain for at least 4 weeks. Ability to stand and perform basic functional and balance tests. Willingness to participate and provide informed consent. Not currently receiving other structured physical therapy or cognitive training programs during the study period.

You may not qualify if:

• History of lower limb surgery or fractures affecting the foot or ankle. Presence of neurological disorders affecting balance or motor control (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease).
• Systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the lower limb or foot. Recent corticosteroid injection in the heel region within the last 3 months. Current participation in other structured rehabilitation or exercise programs. Pregnancy (if applicable due to balance and biomechanical changes). Inability to understand or follow instructions related to the intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Beni-Suef University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Suef University

Cairo, Egypt

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fasciitis, Plantar

Interventions

Cognitive Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Fasciitis; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Foot Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurological Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Health Services; Health Care Facilities Workforce and Services

Study Officials

• Sahar M Abdelmutilibe, PHD

  Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Suef University, Cairo, Egypt

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Sahar M Abdelmutilibe, PHD

CONTACT

0021027620061; sahar.mowad@pt.bsu.edu.eg

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: the participant don not know in which group and the type of treatment
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: This study is a two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial with equal allocation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the cognitive training intervention or the stretching exercise intervention. No crossover between groups will occur. Both interventions will be delivered over the same duration, and outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 30, 2026
• First Posted: May 6, 2026
• Study Start: February 3, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 4, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 25, 2026
• Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)