RECRUITING Not applicable ClinicalTrials.gov

Video-Based Versus Physician-Led Exercise Training for Plantar Fasciitis

Sponsor: Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07628218

Registry updated: 2026-10-14

Recruiting for Similar Conditions?

Sponsors are looking for patients like you. See if you qualify for compensated research studies.

Description

This prospective, single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized non-inferiority trial will compare physician-led face-to-face exercise instruction with standardized video-based exercise instruction in adults with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either face-to-face exercise training by an orthopedic physician or access to a standardized exercise video via QR code/web link. The exercise content will be identical in both groups; only the method of instruction will differ. The primary outcome will be the change in the Foot Function Index total/index score from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes will include pain score, Foot Function Index subscales, exercise knowledge, exercise adherence, education time, video viewing status, additional treatment requirement, and patient satisfaction.

Interventions

Physician-Led Face-to-Face Exercise Instruction (Behavioral)
Face-to-face instruction and demonstration of a standardized home exercise program by an orthopedic physician. The program includes plantar fascia-specific stretching, gastrocnemius/soleus stretching, plantar fascia self-massage, gradual toe raises, and towel pull exercises.
Video-Based Exercise Instruction (Behavioral)
Access to a standardized home exercise video prepared by the study team via QR code or web link. Participants will be instructed to watch the video at home and perform the same exercise program used in the physician-led group.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 70 years * Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis * Plantar heel pain lasting for at least 3 months * Heel pain that is most prominent with the first steps in the morning or after rest * Tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle * Baseline heel pain score of 4 or higher on a 0-10 numerical rating scale * Functional capacity to perform the prescribed exercises * Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer to view the exercise video * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous foot or ankle surgery on the affected side * History of foot fracture, foot tumor, advanced neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, or tarsal tunnel syndrome * Corticosteroid injection, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, or other interventional treatment for plantar fasciitis within the last 6 months * Inflammatory arthritis or systemic rheumatologic disease affecting the foot * Severe knee or hip osteoarthritis limiting exercise performance * Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation or completion of questionnaires * Pregnancy * Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis of Both Feet Plantar Fascitis

Locations

Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital — Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital — Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)

Partner with Nurenyx

Showcase your study to thousands of motivated patients matching your criteria.

Learn More

Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

View Official Record

Accelerate Your Clinical Trial Recruitment