An interventional study of Conventional treatment and Myofascial release in Pes Planus, sponsored by Riphah International University. Completed at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 25 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-07.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Pes planus, commonly known as flat feet, is a condition characterized by a reduced or absent arch in the foot, which often leads to pain and functional limitations. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two therapeutic interventions-tissue flossing and myofascial release-in improving balance, arch height, and range of motion (ROM) in patients with flexible flatfoot. The research will be conducted at the Margalla Rehabilitation Center over a duration of six months, involving a total of 44 participants divided into two equal groups. One group will receive tissue flossing as the intervention, while the other group will undergo myofascial release. Participants will be selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Eligible individuals will be adults aged 18-25 years with flexible pes planus and limited ankle dorsiflexion. The study seeks to provide valuable insights into the comparative effectiveness of these interventions for managing symptoms associated with flat feet. Data was be analyzed through SPSS version 25.
Pes planus, or flat feet, is characterized by a reduced or absent arch, causing the entire sole to contact the ground. It is categorized into flexible and rigid types, with flexible pes planus being more common. In this form, the arch is visible in non-weight-bearing positions but flattens during standing or walking, while rigid pes planus remains flat irrespective of weight-bearing. The condition often results in foot instability, excessive eversion, and midfoot abduction, leading to pain, fatigue, and reduced shock absorption during activities.
Flexible flatfoot is prevalent in children but can persist into adulthood, affecting 2% to 23% of adults in the U.S. and 13.6% in India. It disrupts gait mechanics, shifting weight medially, impairing balance, and increasing injury risk. Management ranges from conservative treatments like physical therapy to surgical interventions in severe cases.
Emerging therapies include tissue flossing and myofascial release (MFR). Tissue flossing uses compression bands to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and enhance range of motion (ROM). In contrast, MFR applies sustained pressure to relieve fascial tension, promoting flexibility and reducing discomfort. Both techniques show promise for addressing the biomechanical and functional impairments associated with pes planus.
Literature review: According to literature, Galis et al. (2022) performed a study that aimed to examine the effects of applying tissue flossing band at different pressure levels on ankle ROM, strength and power performance in university students. The results showed an increase in dorsiflexion ROM and power. Furthermore, the author concluded that this can aid injury prevention, performance enhancement, and functional ability.
In another study, Driller et al. (2016) conducted a study on the effects of tissue flossing on ankle ROM and jump performance in recreational athletes. The study concluded that applying floss bands to the ankle effectively increased both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ROM and enhances single-leg jump performance in recreational athletes.
Similarly, Choi et al. (2022) conducted a study aimed at investigating the impact of myofascial release of the peroneus longus muscle on the activity of the abductor hallucis muscle and the medial longitudinal arch in individuals with flexible pes planus. The results showed an increase in abductor hallucis muscle activity and elevation of the medial longitudinal arch.
A study conducted by Chang et al. (2021) examined the effect of a single session of tissue flossing on the knee joint in female college students. The results showed a significant improvement with a medium-to-large effect in the Y-Balance test assessment immediately postintervention. He concluded that tissue flossing can indeed enhance dynamic balance.
173 studies on the registry are indexed under Flatfoot; 44 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 44 is close to the median of 40 across 122 interventional studies indexed under Flatfoot.
Browse Flatfoot studies →Riphah International University is the lead sponsor of 2,193 studies on the registry; 650 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
* Tissue flossing involves wrapping a latex band around the calf muscles with 50-75% elongation, followed by active ankle movements (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, circles, heel raises). * Protocol: 4 sets of 8 repetitions, 10-second rest between sets * Performed twice weekly for 3 weeks. Conventional Treatment
Other: Conventional treatment · Other: Tissue flossing
* Myofascial release is a manual therapy applying sustained pressure on the calf muscles to release fascial restrictions. * Protocol: 3 sets of 2-minute pressure applications with a 1-minute break between sets * Performed twice weekly for 3 weeks Conventional Treatment
Other: Conventional treatment · Other: Myofascial release
Conventional treatment will include: * Stretching exercises (5Reps with 15sec hold): Gastrocnemius-soleus stretch, TA stretch. * Strengthening exercises (5Sets, 5Reps, 5sec hold): Weight-bearing lunges, Short-foot exercise. * Maitland mobilization Grade 2 \& 3 (3 Sets, 20Reps) at Talonavicular joint.
* Myofascial release is a manual therapy applying sustained pressure on the calf muscles to release fascial restrictions. * Protocol: 3 sets of 2-minute pressure applications with a 1-minute break between sets * Performed twice weekly for 3 weeks
Tissue flossing involves wrapping a latex band around the calf muscles with 50-75% elongation, followed by active ankle movements (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, circles, heel raises). Protocol: 4 sets of 8 repetitions, 10-second rest between sets Performed twice weekly for 3 weeks.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
This tool will be used to assess pain intensity, at baseline, 2nd week and 3rd week post treatment
Time frame: 3 weeks
Digital Goniometer
It will be used for the measurement of ankle range of motion. Changes from baseline, 2nd week and 3rd week will be taken.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Brody's Navicular Drop Test
It will be used for the measurement of navicular drop. It is the one of the static foot assessment tools and is intended to represent the displacement of the navicular tuberosity from a neutral position. Measurements taken at baseline, 2nd week and 3rd week
Time frame: 3 weeks
Single-Leg Stance Test
It will be used to assess each patient's static balance with their eyes open and arms on hips. Good static balance is indicated by participant's ability to maintain position for atleast 30 seconds. Test will be repeated 3 times and average will be taken. measurements will be taken at baseline, 2nd week and 3rd week.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Y-Balance test
It will be used for dynamic balance assessment. Patient is asked to stand on one leg while reaching out in 3 different directions (anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral) with the other lower extremity.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Plan to share: No
Ran from Jan 2025 to primary completion in Aug 2025, 7 months.
Of 89 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Flatfoot, half reached primary completion within 7 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 2 and three quarters within 15. This study's 7 months is close to that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 89 studies reached it within 7 months; a quarter within 2 and three quarters within 15.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is completed, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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