Health Trials

About this trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a barefoot walking programme can treat plantar fasciopathy (heel pain) in adults aged 18-70. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does a barefoot walking programme reduce heel pain compared to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme? * Does a barefoot walking programme improve foot function and quality of life in adults with plantar fasciopathy?

Researchers will compare a barefoot walking programme to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme to see if barefoot walking is an effective conservative management approach for plantar fasciopathy.

Participants will:

* Be randomly assigned to either a barefoot walking programme or a stretching and strengthening programme * Complete a 12-week home-based exercise programme * Complete short weekly questionnaires throughout the 12 weeks * Complete 3 follow-up surveys over 6 months after the intervention ends * Receive education on load management and plantar fasciopathy

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Aged 18-70 years;

Clinical diagnosis of Plantar Fasciopahty, defined by: a) Pain localised to the medial calcaneal tubercle of sharp or stabbing quality; b) Pain worst with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest (first-step pain); c) Pain reproduced with palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle OR positive Windlass Test;

Symptom duration greater than 4 weeks;

Able to walk independently without a mobility aid

Disqualifiers

Prior surgery on the affected foot

Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological condition affecting lower limb sensation or motor control

Active inflammatory arthropathy, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided

Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or other acute foot or ankle injury on the affected side

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Barefoot Walking Programme
  • Standardised Conservative Care

Treatment groups

74 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Locations

1
South East Technological UniversityR93 V960, CarlowCarlow County, Ireland

Sponsors and collaborators

Elisabetta Brigo

Lead sponsor

South East Technological University

Sponsor institution

Source ClinicalTrials.gov